Reconstruction

The Civil War is over and President Abraham Lincoln managed to preserve the Union. Since the majority of the war was fought in the South, this part of the country was devastated. As a result, the United States government had to rebuild the Southern states. This involved creating new governments and providing funding to restore infrastructure. Reconstruction proved difficult. During this time period, the United States amended the Constitution several times to put laws in place that protected the civil rights of all citizens. Slaves were now free and deserved equal treatment. Unfortunately, Reconstruction did not change the viewpoint many Southerners' had about equal rights for all citizens. Together with Martina and Terrance, explore Reconstruction from the end of the Civil War until the Compromise of 1877.

Essential Questions

• What is Reconstruction and how did it affect politics in the United States?
• What amendments were added during Reconstruction?
• What were the economic impacts of the Civil War?