Tom Richey
Tom Richey: The Civil War and Reconstruction (1861 1877)
The election of 1860 sparked the secession of the southern states. This group of states formed the Confederacy while the northern states to be named the Union. This unit will examine in detail the events which then led to the Civil War...
Other
Historical Boys' Clothing: The American Civil War: Reconstruction
Outlines the major programs of the Reconstruction period after the Civil War, and the discrimination that African Americans faced, such as from the Black Codes and the Ku Klux Klan. Also discusses the amendments made to the Constitution...
Read Works
Read Works: Slavery, Civil War & Reconstruction Election of 1860 and Lincoln
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Lin and Don Donn
Lin and Don Donn: u.s. History Lessons: Civil War
This personal site provides a wealth of ideas regarding the Civil War Era. Look for lesson ideas about the events leading up to the war, the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, and the Reconstruction Era.
Library of Congress
Loc: African American Odyssey: Reconstruction and Its Aftermath: Black Exodus
Newly freed slaves left the South after the Civil War and many moved to the West. Read about the all-black community in Kansas called Nicodemus.
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.
Other
Kid Info: History of the Civil War and the Reconstruction Era
Looking to become an expert on the Civil War and the Reconstruction Era? If so, then this is the perfect site for you! It is packed with links to learn about the battles of the Civil War, artillery used, Generals of the Civil War, and...
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: Post Civil War America
[Free Registration/Login Required] "A variety of materials demonstrates the rise and fall of civil rights for African Americans during the latter half of the nineteenth century, including constitutional amendments, sharecropper...
Civil War Home
Home of the American Civil War: The Kansas Nebraska Act
Provides information on the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the consequences of its passing. From "The Civil War and Reconstruction" by Randall and McDonald.
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...
Other
Alabama.gov: Reconstruction
Learn facts about life in the state of Alabama after the Civil War.
Harp Week
Education at Harp week.com: The Reconstruction Convention Simulation
A simulation activity where students participate in a convention at the end of the American Civil War that never actually took place. Together they grapple with the issues that faced America in 1865 in dealing with the demise of slavery...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Primary Source Set: Secession of the Southern States
This collection uses primary sources to explore the secession of southern states from the United States prior to the Civil War.
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...
Stanford University
Sheg: Document Based History: Reading Like a Historian: Radical Reconstruction
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students use primary source documents to investigate central historical questions. For this investigation students read speeches by Thaddeus Stevens and Andrew Johnson in order to explore why the...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: The Reconstruction Amendments
In this interactive instructional activity, students will understand and explain the key provisions of the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, commonly referred to as the Reconstruction Amendments.
iCivics
I Civics: Civil Rights
Use this library of mini-lessons to teach students about the early days of the expansion of slavery in the United States through the momentous 1950s and 60s and into the modern Civil Rights Movement.
US Army Center
U.s. Army Center of Military History: Darkness and Light, the Interwar Years 1865 1898
This resource offers a good look at the reorganization and use of the U.S. military in the years betwee the end of the Civil War and the Spanish-American War.
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.
New Georgia Encyclopedia: Reconstruction in Georgia
After the Civil War ended, Georgia was in a state of chaos. Learn all about the Reconstruction in Georgia from 1865-1871 and how it changed the state politically, socially, and economically.
Digital History
Digital History: The Problem of Reconstruction [Pdf]
How does a country put itself back together after a civil war? Read about the problems with the destruction of the Southern economy and land, the recognition of former slaves as freedmen, and the ways to bring the Southern states back...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Forever Free: The 1870s: William H. Holland
Read a brief bio on William H. Holland, a man born into slavery who not only fought in the Civil War but also involved in politics and working to advance African Americans during the Reconstruction. Read about some of his work as a Texas...
Alabama Department of Archives and History
Al Dept of Archives & History: African Americans: Reconstruction Lesson [Pdf]
With this lesson plan, students learn about the lives of African Americans during Reconstruction. PDF (requires Adobe Reader).
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: Slavery and the Making of America: Freedom & Emancipation
Using primary documents, oral histories and other historical resources, learn about the African American reaction to emancipation and to events from the Reconstruction period following the Civil War.
Then Again
Then Again: Web Chron: Reconstruction Era
A short timeline on the main events of the period of Reconstruction from 1865 to 1897. A few of the events are clickable and can be followed for additional information.