Radical Reconstruction, 1867–1877 (A-level only) study guide

Study Guide: Radical Reconstruction (1867–1877)

Key Themes to Explore

1. Presidential Policies

• Examine the contrasting approaches of Andrew Johnson and Ulysses S. Grant.
• Analyze the impact of Johnson's Christmas amnesty on the South's political landscape.

1. Legislative Changes

• Understand the significance of the Reconstruction Acts and their implementation in the Southern states.
• Discuss the role of the military in enforcing these laws and protecting civil rights.

1. Social Dynamics

• Investigate the experiences of Southern Unionists and the challenges they faced during this period.
• Explore the societal changes brought about by the Fifteenth Amendment and the push for African American suffrage.

1. Resistance Movements

• Analyze the rise of Southern Democrats and the Redeemer movement, focusing on their strategies to undermine Reconstruction.
• Discuss the formation and tactics of the Ku Klux Klan and other groups opposing Reconstruction efforts.

1. Legacy of Radical Reconstruction

• Reflect on the long-term effects of Radical Reconstruction on African Americans in both the North and South.
• Consider how the end of this period set the stage for future civil rights struggles.