I too enjoy reading about and discussing history. The Reconstruction Acts were critical, especially since President Johnson had no interest in enforcing the Civil Rights Act of 1866 (which he vetoed) or any of the Reconstruction Acts (also vetoed and overridden by Congress). I commend the Republicans for their insistance on progress despite a once avid segregationist being President through no fault of his own. I still submit that while the Acts were instrumental in establishing the Black vote, the desire to eliminate the Black Codes was aspirational, despit whatever oaths were taken or promises made.