SS.912.A.2.3

Test your knowledge of the Reconstruction era with this 13-question multiple choice quiz!

Type: Assessment

In this lesson plan, students will participate in a classroom activity called "Chat Stations," they will rotate among stations that include specific readings and questions. Each station will center around the Radical Republicans and various plans, groups, and individuals involved in the Reconstruction Era's efforts to rebuild the South, as explored through specific literary pieces.

Type: Lesson Plan

In this lesson, students use the collection's Timeline of African American History, 1852-1925 to identify problems and issues facing African Americans immediately after Reconstruction. Working in small groups on assigned issues, students search the collection for documents that describe the problem and consider opposing points of view, and suggest a remedy for the problem. Students then present the results of their research in a simulated African American Congress, modeled on a congress documented in the collection's special presentation, Progress of a People.

Type: Lesson Plan

In this lesson, students analyze primary source documents in an effort to answer the central historical question: Why was the Radical Republican plan for Reconstruction considered "radical?" The teacher first uses a PowerPoint to review the Civil War and introduce the challenges of Reconstruction. Students then analyze and answer guiding questions about 3 documents: a speech by Thaddeus Stevens, a Radical, and 2 speeches by President Andrew Johnson. A final class discussion evaluates the Radicals' plan and compares it to Johnson's approach: Which was more likely to unite the country?

Type: Lesson Plan

In this lesson, students analyze the political cartoons of Thomas Nast in an effort to answer the central historical question: How did Northern attitudes toward freed African Americans change during Reconstruction? The teacher first shows students a contemporary political cartoon (not included) and explains how cartoons can teach us about the context of their time. Students then answer sourcing questions about Nast and analyze 2 of his cartoons: 1 from 1865 (in favor of black suffrage) and another from 1874 (dubious of the same). A final class discussion synthesizes students' opinions.

Type: Lesson Plan

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn what happened after the guns of the Civil War fell silent: the beginning of the Reconstruction era. You'll learn about Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Radical Republicans, and the impeachment of a president!

CLICK HERE to open After the War: Reconstruction Begins, Part 1.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn what happened after the guns of the Civil War fell silent:  the beginning of the Reconstruction era. You'll learn about Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Radical Republicans, and the impeachment of a president!

CLICK HERE to open After the War: Reconstruction Begins, Part 2.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

In this interactive tutorial, learn about the successes and failures of Reconstruction, one of the most controversial periods of American history.  After the rise of the Ku Klux Klan and "Redeemer" resistance, this remarkably progressive period ended after the Election of 1876.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Learn about the 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution in this tutorial video about the American South after the Civil War. This short video is provided by Khan Academy.

Type: Tutorial

This short video provided by Khan Academy features 2 historians reviewing the early years of Reconstruction and the ratification of the 13th Amendment, which ended slavery in the United States. Helpful graphics illustrate the content. Enjoy!

Type: Tutorial

Explore the era of Reconstruction and its aftermath in this webisode from PBS. Learn about the struggles of rebuilding the South and uniting the Union in the years that immediately followed the Civil War, and explore the rise of Jim Crow laws after Reconstruction was abandoned. This webisode provides primary source documents including photographs and excerpts from speeches, a timeline, glossary, and quizzes you can take to test your knowledge.

Type: Tutorial

View a brief, funny video about our 17th President, Andrew Johnson, the first president ever to be impeached!

Type: Tutorial

In this tutorial video, you will take a whirlwind journey through the period of Reconstruction in American History. As you may know, Reconstruction was a critical time in America of rebuilding and reinventing the South in the years after the Civil War. You'll learn about its successes and failures. Enjoy this "crash course" review!

Type: Tutorial