The Reconstruction challenges

Reconstruction was definitely a challenge for the US.  Northern politicians despised many Southern politicians.  They feared they would undermine what they were trying to accomplish in reconstructing the South.  One thing that has not been mentioned in class yet is the 3/5th compromise (it was agreed upon to pass the Constitution).  The Civil War made this null and void.  When African Americans were allowed to vote, the number of representatives that could be sent to Congress increased in the South because African Americans were now considered full citizens.  This made it more difficult for the Northern politicians to enforce their Reconstruction plans.

You mentioned the Forty Acres and a Mule policy.  Can you describe what this was and did it have an impact?