How did legal challenges contribute to the decline of reconstruction?

Reconstruction is the name given to a period in American history with lasted from 1863 to 1877. During this period, the former Confederate states experienced enormous change thanks to policies passed by Congress. Reconstruction was designed to eliminate the remnants of slavery and secession, and bring the country together once more.

However, this process was complicated due to the legal challenges that were put forward. One of the most important ones was the passage of the Black codes in the South, which severely restricted the rights given to former slaves. With the passage of such laws, the success of Reconstruction was diminished.