The American Vision Volume 1, Alabama Edition

Chapter/Alabama : Alabama Special Report

Web Lesson Plans

Reconstruction

Introduction: Students have read about the social and political tensions that fueled the South after the Civil War. In this Web activity, students will examine these tensions, focusing on the state of Alabama.

Students will use information from the The Reconstruction Convention Simulation and the Report of the Joint Committee on Reconstruction of the First Session Thirty-Ninth Congress Web sites to learn about the tensions that existed in the South after the Civil War. They will read primary resources, detailing the social and political issues that stalled the Reconstruction efforts. After reading the interview and the letter, students will answer three questions and apply this knowledge to create their own Reconstruction plan.

1. Students will analyze the social and political issues that impeded the Reconstruction efforts.
2. Students will apply this knowledge to create their own Reconstruction plan.

1. According to both Brevet Brigadier General George E. Spencer and the Alabama correspondent, the general attitude of Alabamians following the end of the Civil War was one of hostility. Most rebels felt that losing the war did not implicate them of any wrongdoing. These people felt that the government owed Alabama and the other southern states reparations for damages incurred during the war.
2. According to Spencer, the outcome of the Civil War did nothing to improve the lives of African Americans, or former slaves, living in the South. In fact, Spencer felt that the outcome made it harder on African Americans. As slaves, they were property. The masters might mistreat them, however, they were of some value to their masters. Despite their freedom, the African Americans were being beaten and mistreated even more than before.
3. Spencer and the Alabama correspondent agree that secessionists who might be elected to Congress plan to repudiate the national debt. This is an important goal for the secessionists because it would help to rebuild the South and because they feel that the government owes their state reparations in the millions.
4. As a class, review each student's plan for Reconstruction. Compare and contrast the plans with Lincoln's Reconstruction policies. How do they differ? In what ways are they similar?