Unit 1: The Era of Reconstruction Lesson 5: Black Codes

Learning Objective SWBAT assess the extent to which Black Codes contradicted freedoms ensured to freedmen by the Reconstruction amendments.

Word of the Day/ Initial Activity Contradiction Two ideas that oppose each other. To speak to the opposite of something. Reconstruction Amendments What did the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments guarantee to freed slaves? Which actions committed by white Southerners would contradict the freedoms granted in these amendments? Discussion Why would the President and radical Republicans in congress allow southern states to contradict the newly received rights of slaves?

Southern Culture 200 years of slave supported economy Slave-Master mentality Increased social stratification after the war Whites still control the economy Freed slaves thrown into the mix

Black Codes Also known as Jim Crow laws Every Southern State passed Black Codes Laws designed to subjugate newly freed slaves. Southern governments composed of former slaveholders and Confederate soldiers. Black Codes opposed almost all personal freedoms. Created second class citizens.

Black Codes: Turn & Talk Anna Deavere Smith, On Jim Crow Laws “You know if we were to look back and how we were in 1955 living in Jim Crow, living in segregation, living in segregated schools, it's hard to believe that it was America, but it really was.” What’s the main idea of this quote? 1 minute to write down a response to this question: Why does Anna Smith believe that Jim Crow laws contradict the idea of America? Turn & Talk: 30 seconds per partner Share Out

Activity: Picture Analysis Focus Question: How do Black Codes contradict the amendments of the Reconstruction era? Read Black Codes during Reconstruction Tips for completing this activity: 1. Review the questions first to familiarize yourself with the focus of the reading (questions are chronological). 2. Read the article carefully looking for keywords or phrases that stand out. 3. Answer the questions in complete sentences. Share Out

Summary Exit Ticket How did the Black Codes restrict personal freedoms from newly freed slaves? Parking Lot Develop one critical thinking question from today’s mini-lesson or activity. Write onto post-it and place onto parking lot. You will address these questions as a class during the initial-activity each following day.