Instructions
- Read the information in each section carefully. Think of yourself as a history detective solving a case!
- Complete the activities in each part. Use the clues in the text to help you find the answers.
- Try the "History Expert Challenge" at the end if you want an extra task.
- Check your work with the Answer Key when you are finished.
Part 1: A Nation Divided
The Civil War was a very difficult time in American history (1861-1865). The country split into two sides over a big disagreement about slavery. Slavery was a cruel system where people could own other people as property. The two sides were:
- The Union: The northern states. They believed the country should stay together as one. President Abraham Lincoln was their leader, and he wanted to end slavery.
- The Confederacy: The southern states that broke away from the United States. They wanted to keep slavery legal.
Activity: Match the Clues!
Draw a line to connect the person or group on the left to their correct description on the right.
| 1. The Union | A. The southern states that wanted to keep slavery. |
| 2. The Confederacy | B. A cruel system of owning people as property. |
| 3. Abraham Lincoln | C. The northern states that fought to keep the country together. |
| 4. Slavery | D. The President of the Union who wanted to end slavery. |
Part 2: The Time of Reconstruction
After four long years, the Civil War ended in 1865. The Union won, and the country was reunited. But the South was destroyed, and millions of African Americans were newly freed from slavery. The period after the war was called Reconstruction, which means "to rebuild." The government had two main goals:
- Bring the southern states back into the United States peacefully.
- Protect the rights of newly freed African Americans.
To do this, three important new rules, called amendments, were added to the U.S. Constitution.
Activity: What Was the Rule For?
Read about each new "Freedom Amendment" and write down its main purpose in your own words.
What this rule did:
&...
14th Amendment: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States... are citizens of the United States..."
What this rule did:
&...
15th Amendment: "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied... on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude."
What this rule did:
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Part 3: Thinking It Through
Reconstruction was a time of great change and many challenges. Imagine you are a leader helping to rebuild the country. What would you focus on?
Activity: Rank the Goals
Below are three important goals of Reconstruction. Number them from 1 to 3, with 1 being the most important goal to you, and 3 being the least important. There are no wrong answers, but think about why you chose your order.
_____ Building new schools for everyone, including freed children.
_____ Repairing roads and farms that were destroyed in the war.
_____ Helping people from the North and South learn to trust each other again.
Why did you choose #1 as the most important?
&...
Part 4: Real-World Connection
The word "reconstruct" means to rebuild something that was broken. This can apply to more than just countries. Think about a time when you and a friend or family member had a disagreement. After the argument was over, you had to "reconstruct" your friendship.
Draw a picture or write a few sentences about how you can "reconstruct" a friendship after an argument.
(Draw or write in this box)
★ History Expert Challenge (Optional) ★
During Reconstruction, the government created a group called the Freedmen's Bureau to help newly freed African Americans. Look up what the Freedmen's Bureau did. Write one specific thing it did to help people start their new lives.
&...
Answer Key
Part 1: Match the Clues!
- The Union → C. The northern states that fought to keep the country together.
- The Confederacy → A. The southern states that wanted to keep slavery.
- Abraham Lincoln → D. The President of the Union who wanted to end slavery.
- Slavery → B. A cruel system of owning people as property.
Part 2: What Was the Rule For? (Answers may vary slightly in wording)
- 13th Amendment: It ended slavery everywhere in the United States for good.
- 14th Amendment: It gave citizenship to everyone born in the U.S., including former slaves.
- 15th Amendment: It gave all men the right to vote, no matter their race or if they used to be enslaved.
Part 3: Thinking It Through
This section is based on your opinion. A good reason for any choice is acceptable. For example:
- Choosing schools first: "Because education helps people get better jobs and have a better future."
- Choosing roads/farms first: "Because people need food and a way to travel to rebuild their lives."
- Choosing trust first: "Because if people don't learn to get along, there might be another fight."
Part 4: Real-World Connection
This answer is personal to you. Examples could be: apologizing, listening to the other person, doing something nice for them, or promising to be a better friend.
History Expert Challenge
Answers may include any of the following:
- Provided food and housing for people in need.
- Set up schools for newly freed African Americans.
- Helped families find loved ones who were separated by slavery.
- Helped workers negotiate fair labor contracts.