Radical Reconstruction

US History Reconstruction Era and the Western Frontier Radical Reconstruction
Students learn about the Radical Republicans and the steps they took to oppose Andrew Johnson's approach to Reconstruction. Then, students analyze the text of the Fourteenth Amendment.

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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Preview - Scene 1
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Overview

In this experience, students learn about the Radical Republicans and the steps they took to oppose Andrew Johnson’s approach to Reconstruction. Then, students analyze the text of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 2 through scene 4.

Objectives:

  • Describe how Congress reacted to the passage of black codes in the South.
  • Explain how Radical Republicans gained power in Congress.


Photograph of an elegantly dressed man

President Andrew Johnson


Andrew Johnson’s plan for Reconstruction favored the South and the southern way of life. He pardoned many Confederate leaders for their involvement in the Civil War and his plan allowed southerners to implement harsh laws, called black codes, which restricted the rights of freed slaves. In this experience, you will learn about Radical Reconstruction, an alternate plan that replaced Johnson’s Presidential Reconstruction.

Objectives:

  • Describe how Congress reacted to the passage of black codes in the South.
  • Explain how Radical Republicans gained power in Congress.


Recall what you have learned about black codes and post one sentence about the restrictions that were placed on freed slaves as part of Johnson’s Reconstruction plan. If someone has already listed the point you remember, try to think of a different one.


Students might include:

  • The codes legitimized violence against African-Americans, e.g., the Ku Klux Klan.
  • Some states required freed slaves to prove they were working or they had to work on a plantation.
  • African-Americans had to pay a special tax if they weren’t farmers or servants.
  • They were not allowed to hunt or fish.
  • They were not allowed to own guns.
  • They were barred from orphanages, parks, schools, and other public places.


Divide students into their small groups. When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

End of Preview
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