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.
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
Reconstructing the South: First Reconstruction Act, 1867
The text of the first Reconstruction Act providing for the government of the former Confederate states by placing them in military districts.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Radical Reconstruction, 1867 1872
This section explains the purpose of the second phase of Reconstruction and some of the key legislation put forward by Congress, describes the impeachment of President Johnson, and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of the Fifteenth...
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...
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.
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.
Other
Encyclopedia of Arkansas: Redeemers (Post Reconstruction)
Read about the so-called Redeemers, whose actions returned the Democratic Party to power in the southern states at the end of Reconstruction. Find out how they rolled back the legislation put into effect by the Republicans as a result of...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Reconstruction
A very good overview of Reconstruction in the South after the Civil War. Find the questions that needed to be answered about how to reincorporate the Confederate states, what rights freed blacks would have, and how terms of...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: The 1860s: Reconstruction
Here is an article on the Reconstruction, which touches briefly on several issues that arose during this period, specifically in Texas: President Johnson's Reconstruction plan, assimilation and rights of freed slaves, the 13th and 14th...
US National Archives
National Archives: To What Extent Was Reconstruction a Revolution? (Part 2)
This is a continuation of part 1 of the lesson plan "To What Extent was Reconstruction a Revolution?". Young scholars will study the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to see if their opinion changes from the previous lesson plan. Included are...
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: Sugar and Stamp Act
This resource provides information about the Stamp Act, which led to the American Revolution.
University of Groningen
American History: Documents: Maryland Toleration Act 1649
The text of a 1649 colonial act concerning religion in Maryland. Describes punishment of any who reject Christian teaching.
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: National Bank Acts of 1863 and 1864
This essay describes the purposes and effects of the National Bank Acts of 1863 and 1864.
University of Groningen
American History: Documents: Pitt on the Stamp Act
The original text of British Prime Minister William Pitt's actual speech to Parliament describing his disapproval of the Stamp Act and why he felt it should be repealed.
University of Groningen
American History: Documents: The Sherman Antitrust Act 1890
Features the full text of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, the first Federal act that outlawed monopolistic business practices and prohibited trusts.
University of Groningen
American History: Documents: The Sedition Act of 1798
Complete text of the Sedition Act of 1798 passed by the Federalists to strengthen national security.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Primary Source: Underground Railroad Fugitive Slave Act 1850
This collection uses primary sources to explore the Underground Railroad and the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
US National Archives
Docsteach: To What Extent Was Reconstruction a Revolution? (Part 2)
This activity is a continuation of the lesson 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 Part 1...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Stamp Act
Brief overview of the Stamp Act and the strong reaction in the colonies ultimately leading to its repeal.
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...
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.
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.
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.