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Lesson

Assessing President Andrew Johnson’s First Annual Message, 1865

Guiding question

How did Lincoln and Johnson’s plans for Reconstruction differ from congressional Reconstruction?

Grade
6–8
Published
Sep 3, 2025
Statue of a man in a coat, holding a branch, surrounded by greenery.
What were President Andrew Johnson's goals for Reconstruction?

Founding Principles

Natural/Inalienable Rights

Objectives

  • Students will consider the best way for a country to heal after a civil war.
  • Students will assess President Johnson’s goals for Reconstruction.

Materials

Student Resources:

Lesson Components

ActivityPresident Andrew Johnson’s First Annual Message Middle School Graphic Organizer

Understand President Andrew Johnson's goals for Reconstruction.

ActivityPresident Andrew Johnson’s First Annual Message, 1865 Middle School Primary Source

The text of this speech with terms defined and reflection questions to guide an understanding of President Andrew Johnson's goals for Reconstruction.

Lesson plan

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Standards

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