How did Reconstruction impact the lives of formerly enslaved people and their families?

Guiding Questions

• What were the experiences of African Americans during Reconstruction?
• How did Reconstruction impact the lives of formerly enslaved people and their families?

Objectives

Students will..

• Analyze primary sources related to Black Codes and the Ku Klux Klan.
• Examine how Reconstruction policies and social dynamics affected the lives of formerly enslaved people.
• Discuss the impact of violence and discriminatory laws on the efforts to build a new social order.

Resources

Student Resources:

• Reconstruction and Resistance: Black Codes and the Ku Klux Klan Anticipation Guide
• Reconstruction and Resistance: Black Codes and the Ku Klux Klan Primary Source Set
• Index Cards (3 per student)

Teacher Resources:

• For more information and examples of analysis of “The Union as It Was” cartoon by Thomas Nash, view this BRIdge from the Past video around the 9:30 mark.

Facilitation Notes

• This may be students’ first in-depth exploration of the violent aftermath of the Civil War, particularly how Black Codes and groups like the Ku Klux Klan emerged to enforce racial oppression. Because of the sensitive nature and the violation of fundamental rights that occurred during this time period, it’s critical for the teacher to guide students through this material. The intent is to help students contextualize these events without leaving them to independently process the intensity of the violence and injustice.
• In this lesson, students will analyze three primary sources. There are five primary sources listed for the teacher to select based on the needs of their students. You should begin with the political cartoon image. Then select one Black Code text and one Ku Klux Klan text to analyze.