Reconstruction and the African American Legacy

Through Reconstruction, the federal government reorganizes the rebellious Southern states in preparation for readmitting them to the Union after the Civil War. Reconstruction brought significant changes to the lives of both blacks and whites in the Southern states. In this lesson, students will analyze the character and lasting consequences of Reconstruction.

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

In the course of the lesson, students will:

  • Analyze and interpret primary sources
  • Analyze the character and lasting consequences ofReconstruction
  • Cite textual evidence and draw inferences in order to support claims inwriting
  • Compare and contrast constitutional rights from 1870 and present day
  • Write an argument essay citing evidence to support whether Reconstruction changed life for the better or for the worse for African Americans living in Tennessee
Essential and guiding questions: 

Did life change for the better or for worse for African Americans living in Tennessee during the Reconstruction Era?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying

Helpful Hints

Materials Needed:

  • TSLA website
  • Student textbook for reference ifneeded
  • Computers for students
  • DBQ