What were some of the political & social changes that affected whites after the Civil War?

There were many political and social changes that affected
whites after the Civil War.

In the South, Reconstruction
affected whites as well as blacks.  Whites had to, for a time, get used to the idea of
free blacks who had rights.  This did not last, but for as long as Reconstruction
lasted, this was a big deal.

In the North, perhaps the
biggest change was the "opening" of the West.  After the Civil War, the boom in railroad
as well as things like the Homestead Act opened the Great Plains and the West for
settlement.  This brought about a huge change as thousands of people made their way west
to try to make their fortunes.  The experiences they had are said to have been a major
part of forming the national character of our country.