Why did the federal government focus more on political change in Reconstruction than economic assistance to freemen and aid for infrastructure in the devastated South (where most battles were fought)?

The Reconstruction era, which followed the American Civil War, was a period of significant political change. The federal government's focus on political change rather than economic assistance and infrastructure aid can be attributed to several factors:

1. Restoration of the Union: The primary goal of the federal government during Reconstruction was to restore the Union. This involved reestablishing political control over the Southern states that had seceded, which required significant political changes, including the ratification of new amendments to the Constitution.

2. Protection of Freedmen's Rights: The federal government also aimed to protect the rights of freed slaves. This involved passing laws and amendments to grant them citizenship and voting rights, which were primarily political changes.

3. Resistance to Economic Assistance: There was significant resistance to providing economic assistance to freedmen and the devastated South. Many Northerners believed that the South should bear the cost of its own reconstruction. Additionally, there were fears that providing economic assistance would encourage dependency.

4. Lack of Infrastructure Focus: The devastation of the South's infrastructure was immense, but the federal government's focus was more on political control and less on rebuilding. This was partly due to the cost and complexity of such an undertaking, and partly due to the belief that the South should bear the responsibility for its own reconstruction.

5. Political Power Dynamics: The political dynamics of the time also played a role. The Republican Party, which controlled Congress, was more interested in securing political power and ensuring the rights of freedmen than in providing economic assistance or rebuilding the South's infrastructure.

In conclusion, while economic assistance and infrastructure aid were certainly needed during the Reconstruction era, the federal government's focus was primarily on political change due to a combination of factors including the goal of restoring the Union, protecting the rights of freedmen, resistance to economic assistance, and the political power dynamics of the time.