PBS
Pbs: "Cora Unashamed" in the Classroom
Langston Hughes' short story "Cora Unashamed" was made into a Masterpiece Theatre production. This brief teacher guide offers ideas about using it in the classroom. The site also includes background on the time period, the Harlem...
Other
Encyclopedia of Arkansas: Carpetbaggers and Scalawags
An even-handed description of carpetbaggers and scalawags, particularly in regard to their beneficial activities in Arkansas.
The History Place
The History Place: Impeachment of Andrew Johnson
A clear explanation of the events that led to the trial and impeachment of Andrew Johnson. Included are the articles of impeachment.
Other
Encyclopedia of Arkansas: Redeemers (Post Reconstruction)
Read about the so-called Redeemers, whose actions returned the Democratic Party to power in the southern states at the end of Reconstruction. Find out how they rolled back the legislation put into effect by the Republicans as a result of...
Then Again
Then Again: Web Chron: The Compromise of 1877
An explanation of the need for a compromise in 1877 and a review of Reconstruction overall.
Other
Encyclopedia of Arkansas: Civil War Through Reconstruction
An overview of Arkansas history covering the time period from the Civil War through to the Reconstruction period.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Reconstruction: Northerners in the South
A fascinating firsthand account from the perspective of a carpetbagger and Civil War veteran. This veteran describes the roles he played in the Reconstruction process, his efforts to fit into Southern society, and Southern attitudes...
BBC
Bbc: Life in Iraq
Depicts life in Iraq since the United States invaded. Uses figures, charts, and maps to discuss the reconstruction, security, people, oil, health, cost of living, and education of the Iraqis. Covers time period from March 2003, until...
PBS
New Perspectives on the West: Oliver Otis Howard
Use this site to learn about Oliver Otis Howard (1830-1909), the man who was devoted to seeing that freed slaves were given their own piece of land. Site by PBS.
US National Archives
National Archives: Was Reconstruction a Revolution?
Students will use primary sources to answer the question "Was Reconstruction a Revolution?". Included are discussion questions, worksheets, primary sources, extension activities, and additional resources. [PDF]
Other
Sau: Ama and the Freedmen's Bureau in Arkansas
A full-length paper about the role of the Freedmen's Bureau in Arkansas and its support for schools for African American children.
Other
Dogon Village: Blanche Kelso Bruce
Blanche Kelso Bruce was a Republican Senator from Mississippi, and the first Black U.S. Senator. He advocated for relief for newly freed slaves, for improving navigation on rivers, and for desegregation of the United States Army. He also...
Son of the South
Son of the South: Christmas Dinner
Using a Thomas Nast political cartoon from 1864, the author explains Lincoln's plan for Reconstruction, a plan that was never to be carried out.
Other
W.e.b. Du Bois: Black Reconstruction in America 1860 1880
In this article, the book Black Reconstruction in America by W.E.B. Du Bois is reviewed by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor. This book was written to convey the experiences of African Americans during and after the Civil War, which other history...
Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University Libraries: Gilded Age: 1873 1876: The Panic of 1873
Explains the circumstances and events that led to the Panic of 1873, which was precipitated by the collapse of the Philadelphia investment house of Jay Cooke.
Civil War Home
Home of the American Civil War: Black Codes in the Former Confederate States
Read about the black codes in various states enacted as a result of Johnson's lenient Reconstruction plans. From "Trial by Fire, A People's History of the Civil War and Reconstruction" by Paige Smith.
Tom Richey
Tom Richey: Radical Reconstruction 1867 1877
An illustrative slideshow will assist those studying the plans of reconstruction which surfaced in the years following the Civil War.
Tom Richey
Tom Richey: Presidential Reconstruction 1863 1866
This slideshow features thorough details of the presidential plan for reconstruction in the United States versus the congressional plan.
Other
Louisiana Secretary of State: p.b.s. Pinchback
This site from Louisiana Secretary of State provides a quick factsheet of Pickney Benton Stewart Pinchback (1837-1921), followed by a brief biography (also available as an audio clip).
New York Times
New York Times: On This Day: Andrew Johnson Dead
A copy of Johnson's obituary, with an interesting account of the ex-president's private and public life, from page 1 of the New York Times (August 1, 1875).
New York Times
New York Times: On This Day: Electoral College Controversy 1876
Thomas Nast's political cartoon from a Harper's Weekly 1877 edition plus a description of the dispute over the election of 1876.
Other
Radford University: The Civil War for Fifth Graders
Covers many aspects of the Civil War, without too much text for Grade 5 students. Includes links to additional information and a few learning activities. (Note: Some links may no longer be working.)
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Early African American Senators
Find out about some African-American politicians who won election to the Texas Senate and served during the time of Reconstruction in Texas.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Forever Free: The 1870s: Matthew Gaines
Read about Matthew Gaines, an African American state senator from Texas during Reconstruction. Learn about where he stood on issues such as integrated education and taxation of specific groups, and why he was removed from office.