Reconstruction Essay
Between 1861-1865, the United States found itself divided into an industrial North and an
agricultural, slave based South. As both sides braced for war, each had different goals to
achieve victory. Although both sides hoped for a short and glorious war, instead it
became bloody and drawn out with over 600,000 people killed on both sides.
At the end of the war, the South was devastated. How was the South going to be brought
back into the Union? Between 1865-1877, these questions were quickly answered.
Essay Question
How was the South brought back into the Union after the Civil War?
Key Components
The following pieces could be key parts of your argument:
 Discuss the different plans that were discussed or used between 1863-1869 to
bring the South back into the Union.
 Discuss the roles of specific individuals/groups that effected Reconstruction.
 How did the South react to the freeing of the slaves?
 Why were the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments put into place? What did they do?
 How did the South finally end Reconstruction?
All of these pieces may not necessarily be involved in your essay. But, they would be
effective arguments to use.
Writing Essentials
Each essay should have the following pieces:
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Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Essay should be 4-5 pages long
Use your binders and textbooks to help you write your essay.