To what extent was the reconstruction of the south successful?

Well the South remember seceded completely, meaning they weren't part of the United States at all. Reconstruction allowed them back in, along with help from the 10% plan. The plan allowed the states and their governments back in as long as 10% of the population swore allegiance to the Union.

They were constantly being overlooked as a people and were being controlled by people who weren't really native to their homeland.