Reconstruction
U.S. History I – 9-12
The story of Reconstruction is a compelling tale of redemption, hope, and tragedy in United States History. In the aftermath of the
Civil War, people who had never known the promise of the Declaration of Independence began a long fight for acceptance in a
country filled with resistance.
This unit is meant to allow students the opportunity to understand the real development of what Abraham Lincoln termed “a new
birth of freedom” following the Civil War. They will also explore the failures of that development and the declining trajectory of the
rights of all Americans after a brief period of
Stage 1 Desired Results
ESTABLISHED GOALS
G
Transfer
USI.40 – Provide examples of the Various Students will be able to independently use their learning to…
effects of the Civil War.

 Physical and economic destruction
Meaning
UNDERSTANDINGS
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
USI.41 – Explain the policies and
U1 – The terms of peace are determined
Q1 – How can lasting peace be achieved?
consequences of Reconstruction
by the winners of a conflict.
 Presidential and Congressional
Q2 – What is the best way to reunite a torn
Reconstruction
U2 – Reunion after conflict leads to
country?
 The impeachment of Andrew
debate over reconciliation and
Johnson
punishment.
Q3 –
th
th
th
 The 13 , 14 , and 15 Amendments
Q4 – What limitations exist for free people
 The opposition of southern whites to U3 –
to practice government protected liberties?
Reconstruction
 The accomplishments and failures of U4 – Freedom and liberty often have very
different meanings.
Radical Reconstruction
 The presidential election of 1876 and
Acquisition
the end of Reconstruction
Students will know…
Students will be skilled at…
 The rise of Jim Crow laws
Content Vocabulary (Tier Three Words):
 Explaining the political development of
 The Supreme Court case Plessy v.
Radical
Republicans,
Freedmen’s
Bureau,
Reconstruction policies
Ferguson
Presidential and Congressional
 Debating the advantages and
disadvantages of conciliatory and
6-8. RH.2 Determine the central ideas or Reconstruction, Redemption, Black Codes,
th, 14th, 15th
Union
Leagues,
13
punitive Reconstruction
information of a primary or secondary
Amendments,
Sharecropping,
scalawags,

Evaluating the causes and effects of the
source; provide an accurate summary of
Freedmen’s Bureau
the source distinct from prior knowledge carpetbaggers, Ku Klux Klan, Jim Crow
 Explaining the impact of Reconstruction
or opinions.
Academic Vocabulary (Tier Two Words):
on African American life in the South
Infrastructure, radical, amnesty,
W9.1 (grade 9) – Write arguments to
 Examining the influence of African
impeachment, segregation, reconciliation,
support claims in an analysis of
Americans in politics
substantive topics or texts, using valid
reasoning and relevant and sufficient
evidence.

The Politics of Reconstruction
 The Civil War had a devastating impact
on the South

 There was a split between Lincoln and
other Republicans on the terms of

readmission of Southern states

 The establishment and legacy of the
Freedmen’s Bureau
 The differences between President
Johnson’s and Congressional Leaders’
plans for Reconstruction
 The impeachment of Andrew Johnson
Analyzing data on African American
education, including African American
academies, colleges, and universities
Analyzing the reasons Reconstruction
ended and the impact of Redemption
The Impact of Reconstruction
 D
The Collapse of Reconstruction
 D
Evaluative Criteria
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Stage 2 – Evidence
Assessment Evidence
CURRICULUM EMBEDED PERFOMANCE ASSESSMENT (PERFORMANCE TASKS)
Goal
Role
Audience
Situation
Product/Performance
Standards and Criteria for Success
Explanation
Interpretation
Application
Perspective
Empathy
Self-Knowledge
Social studies specific, technology
OTHER EVIDENCE:
 Interactive Timeline: Students create a timeline of critical events in the history
of Reconstruction
 Argumentative Writing: Should there be any requirements for Southern States
formerly in rebellion to reunite with the rest of the country?
 Mock Debate: Hold a debate between supporters of Lincoln’s plan for
Reconstruction and Radical Republicans; (alternatively) hold a debate between
supporters of Presidential Reconstruction and supporters of Congressional
Reconstruction
 Impeachment Trial: Hold an impeachment trial for President Andrew Johnson
 Construct an argument: Was the Ku Klux Klan in essence a terrorist
organization?

Stage 3 – Learning Plan
Summary of Key Learning Events and Instruction
Lessons to include:
Lesson 1: The Politics of Reconstruction
Lesson 2: The Impact of Reconstruction
Lesson 3: The Collapse of Reconstruction
Lesson 4: CEPA
Lesson 1: The Politics of Reconstruction
 Examine the infrastructure of Southern states after the Civil War

Lesson 2: The Impact of Reconstruction

Lesson 3: The Collapse of Reconstruction

Lesson 4: CEPA
