Early Reconstruction

US History Reconstruction Era and the Western Frontier Early Reconstruction
Students learn about the economic, political, and social problems that faced the nation—particularly the South—following the Civil War. Then they learn about the early efforts at Reconstruction, including Andrew Johnson's Presidential Reconstruction period. Finally, they read and evaluate first-person accounts from the period following the end of the war.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Overview

In this experience, students learn about the economic, political, and social problems that faced the nation—particularly the South—following the Civil War. Then they learn about the early efforts at Reconstruction, including Andrew Johnson’s Presidential Reconstruction period. Finally, they read and evaluate first-person accounts from the period following the end of the war.

Objectives:

  • Describe the nation’s economic, political, and social problems after the Civil War.
  • Identify the early steps that were taken during Reconstruction.


When the war ended in 1865, slaves were given their freedom, but the country was still divided and the government faced the challenge of rebuilding the South and reuniting the Union. In this experience, you will learn about the steps taken towards addressing these challenges.

Objectives:

  • Describe the nation’s economic, political, and social problems after the Civil War.
  • Identify the early steps that were taken during Reconstruction.


Photograph of man sitting by the waterside amidst rubble and ruins

Photograph of many laborers sitting and standing around the waterside

What are some of the problems that existed in the country by the end of the Civil War? Look at the photographs above from the Civil War period to get some hints.

Post your answer

Ask students to share some of their responses. Students may include:

  • The land was in ruins.
  • Confederate money was worthless.
  • Banks in the South were ruined.
  • Transportation system and other infrastructure had been destroyed.
  • Loss of slave workers.
  • Government in the South disappeared.
  • Lack of food and other supplies.
  • No formal law enforcement agencies.


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