US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Learning Adventures: The History and Process of Voting
Learning adventures teaches students of all ages about the voting process and the history of voting, citing the 15th and 19th Amendments, Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the 26th Amendment. Links to the National Archives and voter...
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...
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.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Beginnings of the Movement: African American Men Get the Vote
Explore the ways in which the women's suffrage movement, after African-American men were given the right to vote, fell short. Read texts from this period of time.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: Freedom From Slavery
Check out this interactive timeline of the history of freedom from slavery in the United States.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: Voting Rights
This website contains an interactive timeline about the history of voting rights in the United States.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: African Americans and the 15th Amendment
Article on equal rights and the series of events leading to the passage of the 15th Amendment. Includes questions for discussion and an activity in which students re-create the Voting Rights Convention.
US National Archives
Docsteach: To What Extent Was Reconstruction a Revolution? (Part 2)
This activity is a continuation of the instructional activity for Part 1. In it, students will examine the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and determine whether their analysis of this document changes their responses to the guiding question in...
Other
Celebrating Rights and Responsibilities: Story of the 15th Amendment in Maryland
This resource houses an essay on the passing of the 15th Amendment in Maryland. The essay discusses the political motivations behind the passing and how this affected the black population of the state.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: u.s. Supreme Court: Grovey v. Townsend (1935)
Read all about this Supreme Court case involving Negro voting rights in 1935. Features text of the majority opinion of the court.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: The Reconstruction Amendments
[Free Registration/Login Required] An article that discusses the 13-15th amendments and their impact on social history.
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: Becoming a Voter
In this lesson, young scholars apply their state's requirements for registering to vote. Students learn when and how to register, how to complete a voter registration form, and when and how to reregister.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Ap Us History: 1844 1877: Reconstruction: Life After Slavery
Discusses what life was like for African Americans who were freed from slavery after the Civil War. Includes questions for students.
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...
South Carolina Educational Television
Know It All: Reconstruction Amendments
Fifth graders will complete research on one of the Reconstruction amendments then create a project demonstrating their knowledge of that particular amendment as if they are supporting that amendment during the era it was created. Their...
iCivics
I Civics: Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court decision that determined that Dred Scott, having lived in a free territory, was not entitled to his freedom. Young scholars learn about the impact of the Court's decision, and how...
iCivics
I Civics: Civil War & Reconstruction
The Civil War and Reconstruction Era brought about the end of slavery and the expansion of civil rights to African Americans through the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. Compare the Northern and Southern states, discover the concepts of...
George Mason University
Chnm: Reconstruction Era
The Republican actions during Reconstruction are summarized in this site from the Center for History and New Media.
Scholastic
Scholastic: u.s. Constitution Changes With the Times
Clear, concise overview of the "voting" amendments to the Constitution. Includes quotes from 20th century Justices and Presidents about Amendments they thought were needed.
Other
Historical Boys' Clothing: The American Civil War: Reconstruction
Outlines the major programs of the Reconstruction period after the Civil War, and the discrimination that African Americans faced, such as from the Black Codes and the Ku Klux Klan. Also discusses the amendments made to the Constitution...
Other
Black Baltimore 1870 1920: The Fifteenth Amendment Parade and Celebration
Contains a great picture and description of the Fifteenth Amendment parade that was held in Baltimore, to emphasize its importance. Provides links to other civil rights articles.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: 15th Amendment Ratified
The 15th Amendment was passed in 1870. A synopsis of what it stands for is presented here.
Curated OER
The 15th Amendment. Celebrated May 19th 1870.
A brief description of the 15th Amendment.