Digital History
Digital History: America's Reconstruction: Rights and Power
This resource provides information about Reconstruction, the United States Government, slavery, and civil rights.
Cosmo Learning
Cosmo Learning: The Civil War and Reconstruction Era, 1845 1877
In this course Professor David Blight explores the causes, course, and consequences of the American Civil War, from the 1840s to 1877 through twenty-seven video lectures. The primary goal of the course is to understand the multiple...
University of Groningen
American History: Documents: The Wade Davis Manifesto August 5 1864
View the complete text of the Wade-Davis Manifesto which describes a bill proposed for the reconstruction of the South. The bill passed both houses but was then vetoed by President Lincoln.
Digital History
Digital History: The Ending of Reconstruction
In the 1870's, violent opposition in the South and the North's retreat from its commitment to equality, resulted in the end of Reconstruction. By 1876, the nation was prepared to abandon its commitment to equality for all citizens...
University of Groningen
American History: Documents: Charles Sumner Opinion/trial of Andrew Johnson 1868
Senator Charles Sumner gives his opinion on the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson in 1868.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: The Fourteenth Amendment Part I
This video segment from The Supreme Court introduces viewers to the 14th amendment.
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia Library: Reconstruction, by Fredrick Douglass
A document on Reconstruction written by Fredrick Douglass. He argues particularly for voting rights for blacks as the most necessary step to avoid the kinds of state's rights conflicts that brought about the Civil War.
Mount Holyoke College
Mt. Holyoke: Reconstruction Timeline
Here's a concise timeline that highlights the important facets of reconstruction from the announcement of Abraham Lincoln's reconstruction plans to the end of reconstruction at the election of Rutherford B. Hayes.
US National Archives
Nara: Treasures of Congress: Wade Davis Bill
This National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) site contains a picture of the original Wade-Davis Bill as well as discussion on the effects it would have had if it had been adopted.
University of Virginia
University of Virginia Library: The Valley of the Shadow
Analyze the Civil War through a multitude of primary source documents. This comprehensive site chronicles the Civil War in Virginia from its roots to the battles, and finally the consequences of this divisive war. Read letters and...
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.
New Georgia Encyclopedia: Atlanta Race Riot of 1906
Article that retells the story behind the Atlanta race riots of 1906 where white mobs killed and wounded dozens of blacks in reaction to newspaper headlines of alleged assaults of white females by blacks, general racial tensions, the...
US National Archives
Our Documents: Wade Davis Bill(1864)
On this site you can view an original copy of the document and and also an easy to read version of the complete text. There is also a brief summary of the history behind the bill.
University of California
History Project: Political Issues Behind the Trial of President Andrew Johnson
High school lesson provides the background for the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson over the conflict between Congress and the President over Reconstruction of the South. Learners are to use sections from 15 primary source...
US Army Center
U.s. Army Center of Military History: Darkness and Light, the Interwar Years 1865 1898
This resource offers a good look at the reorganization and use of the U.S. military in the years betwee the end of the Civil War and the Spanish-American War.
Alabama Department of Archives and History
Al Dept of Archives & History: African Americans: Reconstruction Lesson [Pdf]
With this lesson plan, learners learn about the lives of African Americans during Reconstruction. PDF (requires Adobe Reader).
Other
Smith College: Across the Generations:exploring Us History Through Family Papers
The reform movement during the nineteenth century is explored through original documents. This site gives an overview of the social history of this time period.
Other
University of Western Georgia: Reconstruction in the South
An excellent distillation of the many issues addressed in the Reconstruction period in the South in the twelve years after the end of the Civil War.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: About Texas: Reconstruction Acts: 1867
The text of the Reconstruction Acts of 1867. Section one establishes military districts in the South.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: Ulysses S. Grant
A comprehensive biography of Ulysses S. Grant including information about his life before his presidency, detailed essays on various aspects of presidency, brief biographies of members of his cabinet, and copies of his presidential papers.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: Andrew Johnson
An extensive look at Andrew Johnson and his administration. Includes a biography, information on his cabinet, and most importantly, an essay on the impact and legacy of his presidency. Don't miss reading this.
US National Archives
National Archives: To What Extent Was Reconstruction a Revolution? (Part 1)
Should Reconstruction be viewed as a revolution or not? Using primary source documents, young scholars can weigh the evidence and come up with their conclusion. This lesson can be used as a whole class, small group, or individual activity.
US National Archives
Docsteach: From Dred Scott to Civil Rights Act of 1875: Eighteen Years of Change
In 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the Dred Scott decision that African-Americans were not citizens of the United States. Yet within 18 years, Black Americans would not only have citizenship, but would be guaranteed the right to...
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: Ulysses S. Grant: Domestic Affairs
A very good look at the many parts of domestic affairs in the Grant administration. Grant dealt with Reconstruction, the Panic of 1873, a revamping of the government's relationship with Native Americans, and several scandals that did not...
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James Abram Garfield: Life Before the Presidency
James A. Garfield wasn't a president for very long before he was cut down by an assassin, but reading about his political life before his presidency gives a good look at his political life and his political strategy. It also shows the...