How did citizenship change for African Americans in the South between the period of Reconstruction and the period after Reconstruction? Responses African Americans lost citizenship during Reconstruction, and despite gaining some rights, they were unable to get citizenship after Reconstruction. African Americans lost citizenship during Reconstruction, and despite gaining some rights, they were unable to get citizenship after Reconstruction. African Americans gained citizenship during Reconstruction, but after Reconstruction, white supremacists forced them back into enslavement. African Americans gained citizenship during Reconstruction, but after Reconstruction, white supremacists forced them back into enslavement. African Americans gained citizenship during Reconstruction, and despite the creation of racist laws, they were able to keep their citizenship. African Americans gained citizenship during Reconstruction, and despite the creation of racist laws, they were able to keep their citizenship. African Americans were enslaved during Reconstruction, but they gained citizenship after Reconstruction.