What was one of the primary effects of the Reconstruction Act of 1867?

One of the primary effects of the Reconstruction Act of 1867 was the establishment of military rule in Southern states. This act was a response to the challenges faced during the early years of Reconstruction, particularly in states that were resistant to changes following the Civil War. The Act divided the South into five military districts, each governed by a Union general. The purpose of this military oversight was to enforce order, protect the rights of newly freed African Americans, and ensure that former Confederate states complied with new laws and constitutional amendments aimed at integrating these populations into American political life.

By implementing military rule, the federal government sought to stabilize the region, particularly in the face of violent opposition to Reconstruction policies and persistent discriminatory practices against African Americans. This military presence was crucial in facilitating greater participation of African Americans in political processes, as it helped to suppress violent insurgencies and create environments where freedmen could vote and hold office.

The other choices do not accurately represent the immediate effects of the Reconstruction Act. For instance, the restoration of Southern governments without federal oversight would contradict the Act's intention to maintain federal authority over the region. Similarly, while integration of African Americans into the political system was a goal of Reconstruction, the establishment of military rule was the direct mechanism through which this integration