Civil War Home
Home of the American Civil War: Election of 1864
The re-election of Abraham Lincoln in 1864 was not a done deal. Read about the peace explorations, the Republican and Democratic conventions, the campaigns, and eventual "landslide" for Lincoln. From "The Civil War and Reconstruction" by...
Digital History
Digital History: America's Reconstruction: Rights and Power
This resource provides information about Reconstruction, the United States Government, slavery, and civil rights.
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.
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.
Stanford University
Sheg: Document Based History: Reading Like a Historian: Radical Reconstruction
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students use primary source documents to investigate central historical questions. In this investigation students read speeches by Thaddeus Stevens and Andrew Johnson in order to explore why the Radical...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Documenting Brown: The Fourteenth Amendment
The background essay provided in this lesson plan on the later ramifications of the 14th Amendment explains the Congressional legislation of all types during Reconstruction. Click on the 'View' button to read the Amendment.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: "With Malice Toward None"
A four-page discussion of Reconstruction from the plans Lincoln made while the Civil War was still raging to the end of Reconstruction with the election of Rutherford B. Hayes.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Opposing Views on Reconstruction
A look at how Andrew Johnson tried to carry out Lincoln's plan for reconstruction. Read onto the second page to find out how the congressional plan thwarted Johnson and was much more punitive.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Peace Democrats, Copperheads, and Draft Riots
Abraham Lincoln did not have universal backing in the conduct of the Civil War. Read about the opposition, mainly from the Democrats, who opposed emancipation of the slaves and waging a war to reunited the country.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Radical Reconstruction
During this period of American history, the presidents were in agreement, but the Republican party had some differences. This resource provides an explanation of those differences.
Digital History
Digital History: Two Plans for Reconstruction [Pdf]
Before his assassination, Abraham Lincoln was already making plans for Reconstruction in the South. Read about his plan and the plan of the Radical Republicans. See the reasoning behind each plan.
Digital History
Digital History: The Red Shirt Election in South Carolina [Pdf]
Opposition to Congressional Reconstruction was strong in South Carolina. Read about how this opposition was carried out and how it affected the newly freed African Americans in state elections in South Carolina. The national election of...
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: The Tenure of Office Act 1867
A description of the Tenure of Office Act and why it caused problems for Andrew Johnson, leading to his impeachment. From part of a larger site filled with primary source information about Johnson's trial.
Other
Encyclopedia of Arkansas: Carpetbaggers and Scalawags
An even-handed description of carpetbaggers and scalawags, particularly in regard to their beneficial activities in Arkansas.
The History Place
The History Place: Impeachment of Andrew Johnson
A clear explanation of the events that led to the trial and impeachment of Andrew Johnson. Included are the articles of impeachment.
Then Again
Then Again: Web Chron: The Compromise of 1877
An explanation of the need for a compromise in 1877 and a review of Reconstruction overall.
Other
Basd: Reconstruction [Pdf]
A very clear document outlining the various reconstruction plans, the problems for both whites and blacks during Reconstruction, and the amendments added concerning the abolition of slavery, civil rights, and suffrage. Requires Adobe...
Son of the South
Son of the South: Christmas Dinner
Using a Thomas Nast political cartoon from 1864, the author explains Lincoln's plan for Reconstruction, a plan that was never to be carried out.
Other
Ithaca High School Social Studies Department: Plans for Reconstruction
A great chart comparing Lincoln's and Johnson's reconstruction plans with the plans offered by the Radical Republicans.
Other
H Net Reviews: Reconstruction in Microcosm: The 1866 New Orleans Race Riot [Pdf]
A review of the book, "An Absolute Massacre: The New Orleans Race Riot of July 30, 1866" by James G. Hollandsworth, Jr. Discusses the political and racial implications of the actions in New Orleans during early Reconstruction.
New York Times
New York Times: On This Day: Andrew Johnson Dead
A copy of Johnson's obituary, with an interesting account of the ex-president's private and public life, from page 1 of the New York Times (August 1, 1875).
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Presidential Reconstruction
After the death of Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson was responsible for implementing Reconstruction in the South after the Civil War. Read about his views on African-Americans, and the leniency he offered Confederate leaders and soldiers....
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Radical Reconstruction
Read about the frustration the Radical Republicans in Congress had with the Reconstruction plans of Andrew Johnson. Find out what legislation they were able to pass over Johnson's veto, and how they attempted to protect emancipated...
The History Cat
The History Cat: Reconstruction Era
Describes what the South was like after the Civil War ended. Many places were in ruins and people were desperately poor with many being homeless. Social structures had collapsed now that slaves had been freed. The Reconstruction era...