In the lessons in this unit, you have seen how political leaders introduced a variety of plans to bring about Reconstruction in the United States. And you’ve seen some of the reactions that those plans provoked. In this activity, you’ll explore how the actions and challenges of this period affected these three groups in particular: Northerners, people freed from slavery, and many white Southerners. Use these sources or ones you find on your own to learn more about Reconstruction and the people most affected. Skim the longer articles for the parts about the three identified groups. You can also refer to the lessons in this unit for additional help.

Reconstruction Era
Reconstruction
Reconstruction after the Civil War
The Old South

Using these sources, imagine what it would have been like to be a member of these three groups during Reconstruction. What would have been their anxieties, hopes, disappointments, sympathies, and obstacles? Write a brief response of about 200 to 250 words for each group.