The Legacy of Radical Reconstruction

The twelve years following the Civil War may be one of the most troubling times in our nation's history for many Americans to study.

As a torn nation tried to decide how to bring the South back into the country, moderate and radical Republican politicians in the North argued about matters of pardon or punishment for the ex-Confederates. As a result of total war, the South lay in both physical ruins and economic ruins. Top in the nation's mind, however, was the new legal, social and economic status of the African Americans in the South. How does a nation transition four million people from slavery to citizenship? How does the country protect their rights in an uncertain and hostile new South?

Very different groups of people with very different motives clashed throughout the South. On all sides, there were honest people who did noble work, and there were scoundrels and profiteers. There were people who worked to build peace and unity and people who promised punishment and retaliation--people who sacrificed for others, people who did whatever was necessary for personal gain, and people who simply tried to survive. Some committed violence, some protested, and some looked the other way and ignored the wrongs. At the heart of this time are the freed African Americans who moved from celebration to despair.

The "Legacy of Radical Reconstruction" offers the opportunity to examine these different interest groups, their motives, and the impact of their actions between 1865 and 1877. Be warned! It is not an easy journey. You will examine primary sources which show the words and thoughts of actual people who lived. You must decide which opinions have merit, and which ones show disregard for others.

You will assume the role of British journalists who come to the US to investigate the status of their former trading partner, the South. In groups of three to five you will travel through the time and the events. You will consider the point of view of politicians, social reformers, freed African Americans, profiteers, and white supremacy groups such as the Ku Klux Klan.

It will not be easy to read words with which you deeply disagree, and you probably will find several deeply disturbing accounts. Remember, however, that reading what someone said does not mean that you agree with those words. It does mean that you wish to learn how a person's point of view will affect his decisions.

Follow the link to discover your task.