Chapter 18: Reconstruction Section 2: Reconstruction and Daily Life Section 3: End of Reconstruction 1-3

One of the first things many did was to try and find a way to get an education (read and write) But there will still some Southerners who tried to prevent this by burning down schools and threatening/killing teachers of African Americans. H

Most of all people wanted to own land There was even a thought to try and give each ex-slave 40 acres of land (and a mule). That plan didn’t work out. 4 H

Since most ex-slaves didn’t have their own property, many only had one place to go: Back to their old plantation. They knew the people in the area – and there were farms their just sitting empty (without anyone to work them). They did work for money this time (even though it wasn’t much). H

Many Southerners ended up living under a system called sharecropping African Americans needed a place to live and work. Plantation owners needed people to work their farms. Ex-slaves would work the farms and instead of paying rent, would give the owner a share of the crop they grew. They’d even live in the “homes” of the ex-slaves. These workers never ended up getting ahead. 5 H

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There were specific groups which used terror and violence to keep African Americans and their supporters “in their place” The Ku Klux Klan is the most famous and long lasting. Others: The Knights of the Rising Sun, The White Line, and many without historical names. Eventually, when General Grant was elected, he did some things to slow that down, but it never stopped – and later on even got a lot worse for a while. 6 H

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In 1868 General Grant became President 7 There were worries that Southern states might try to keep African Americans from voting. So, the 15th Amendment was passed – and everyone could now vote. Wait – everyone? Not women yet – and they were mad that ex-slaves could now vote on decisions that affected them H

So here are some slaves before the civil War and before Reconstruction

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And here are some ex-slaves and sharecroppers

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The nation 8 H Did rebuild and re-unite. Did not yet have true equality for African Americans – most still lived in poverty and didn’t participate too much in politics. African Americans still faced widespread violence and prejudice. 8 H

But there were positives African Americans made lasting gains. Protection of civil rights became part of the Constitution. The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments were passed. Black schools and churches were built. The first steps towards equality were taken. 9 H 10-11 on your own