Listen. Reconstruction refers to the period following the Civil War to rebuild the United States. It was a time of great pain and endless questions. The Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln freed slaves in the Confederate States and later all slaves were freed according to the Thirteenth. The lessons we learn from the obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Share a time when you faced a challenge, setback or failure. How did this affect you and what did you learn from this experience? This essay was a little difficult to write because of all the heartbreak, disappointment, and stress I put my parents through, Introduction. The aftermath of the American Civil War was meant to be a time of hope and unity. With both North and South having the opportunity to recover from the colossal losses caused by the war, enormous political pressure was exerted to begin reconstruction and bring the American states together. However, it was easier to say, Easing Into a Fearless Mindset. “One of the biggest secrets to success is operating within your strength zone but outside of your comfort zone,” says Heath. Even though you might fail incredibly.