The purpose of the Congressional Reconstruction Acts after the Civil War was to rebuild and integrate the Southern states into the Union following Reconstruction. These acts aimed to establish civil rights for newly freed slaves and enforce the 14th Amendment. The legislation required Southern states to create new constitutions guaranteeing voting rights for African Americans and to be governed under federal supervision until they complied. This period was marked by significant conflict and resistance from Southern whites, but the acts represented a commitment to addressing the inequalities perpetuated by slavery and ensuring a more inclusive democracy.