Early Reconstruction, 1865–1867 (A-level only) common mistakes

Common mistakes

• Overgeneralizing Lincoln's policies

  Students often describe Lincoln's Reconstruction policies as uniformly lenient without acknowledging the nuances and challenges.

  Fix itIt is important to discuss the specific aims and limitations of Lincoln's approach, including the context of his assassination and the subsequent shift in policy.

• Confusing the Thirteenth Amendment with other amendments

  Students often confuse the Thirteenth Amendment with the Fourteenth or Fifteenth Amendments, which address citizenship and voting rights.

  Fix itFocus on the specific content and purpose of each amendment to avoid confusion. The Thirteenth Amendment specifically abolished slavery.

• Confusing the Fourteenth Amendment with the Fifteenth Amendment

  Students often mix up the Fourteenth Amendment, which addresses citizenship and equal protection, with the Fifteenth Amendment, which specifically grants African American men the right to vote.

  Fix itRemember that the Fourteenth Amendment focuses on citizenship and equal protection, while the Fifteenth Amendment is about voting rights.

• Overgeneralizing Johnson's policies

  Students often describe Johnson's policies as uniformly lenient without acknowledging the complexities and conflicts with Congress.

  Fix itFocus on specific legislation and events that illustrate the tensions between Johnson and Congress.