During both the civil war and civil war reconstruction time periods, there were many changes going on in the Union. The Emancipation Proclamation, as well as legislation such as the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth amendments, was causing a new awakening of democracy; while the renouncing of secession by the South marked a definite triumph for Nationalism. As well, the government was involved in altercations of its own. During reconstruction, the legislative and executive branches eventually …showed first 75 words of 963 total…

…showed last 75 words of 963 total…severe shortages of food and supplies in the South. Starving soldiers began to desert Lee's forces. Lee surrendered to Grant on April, 1865 and they met in a house in the tiny village of Appomattox Courthouse. Before the real business, bothof them were talking about other things rather than the Civil War and they seemed like good friends. Lee signed the paper at that house. Johnston surrendered to Sherman under similar terms at Durham, North Carolina.