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Reconstruction
Lesson 1
This lesson will introduce the main ideas of Reconstruction and examine
the events that took place as the Civil War came to a close. Students
will identify the problems facing the nation at this time, and evaluate
different plans for dealing with these challenges.
- Hook: Have students respond to the following
writing prompt, in order to get students thinking about Americans’
feelings at the end of the Civil War. “Imagine that you have two
sons. Your older son has been bullying and fighting your younger son.
The older son says he is upset because the younger son gets more attention.
You punish your son, and he responds by running away from home. Before
he leaves, he steals $500 from you. What would you do when your son
returns? Would you punish him harshly so he won’t do it again,
or be lenient with him if he promises not to do it again? Explain your
choice.” After students have written their responses, give them
an opportunity to share and have a class discussion. Explain to students
the connection to how American leaders had to decide if the South should
be punished for the Civil War.
- Show students images of life in the U.S. in the immediate aftermath
of the Civil War. As they look at the images, have them brainstorm a
list of problems that the U.S. faced. Images include: the destruction
of the South, the newly emancipated slaves, the assassination of Abraham
Lincoln, and violence toward the freedmen. Encourage students to think
about what problems might be caused by these events. After students
have brainstormed, have them share their lists. Make one large list
on poster paper. This can be referred back to throughout the unit to
remind students of the many challenges facing the nation.
- Introduce Lincoln’s plan of peaceful and forgiving reunification
for the nation. Johnson’s continuation of this plan can also be
introduced here. A short textbook reading might be useful to set the
scene. Then have students work together in pairs to make a pro/con
list for the Presidential Reconstruction plan. Have them think about
how the following groups would respond to this plan: former Confederates,
other Southerners, Northerners, and freedmen. Have students share their
responses and lead a class discussion about the merits and weaknesses
of this approach to Reconstruction.
- Wrap Up: Have the students look again at the
images of life at the end of the Civil War. Have them answer these questions:
- Pick an image that shows a problem that you think would be improved
by the President’s plan. Explain why the plan will help.
- Pick an image that shows a problem that will be made worse by the
President’s plan. Explain why.
Materials for Lesson 1
Images of the aftermath of the Civil War. These images are from the American
Memory section of the Library of Congress website. Bibliographic information
is included in the links if not otherwise noted.
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Differentiation
One way differentiation of instruction is achieved through this unit
is through the wide variety of learning strategies and presentation modes
used to reach students with different learning styles. Information is
presented through visual images, audiovisual clips, and written materials.
Students will work independently, with partners, and in small groups.
Students will process information and create products using numerous methods:
writing from historical perspectives, completing graphic organizers, illustrating
their knowledge through drawings, and discussing issues orally. The needs
of kinesthetic learners are also addressed through activities such as
Carousel Brainstorming, Corners, and a Walking Tour.
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