Central Question: Did the promise of freedom come true for African Americans during Reconstruction?
The First Vote, Harper’s Weekly, 1876. From the Library of Congress.
U.S. History Investigation 5
Students consider progress and decline as they learn about the experiences of African Americans during the Reconstruction era. After reading and analyzing a collection of historical sources, students use evidence and reasoning to construct an argument with counterargument about whether the promise of freedom came true for African Americans during Reconstruction.
Prepare to Teach
Investigation Preview
Student Materials
Video Overview for Students
Materials Accommodated for Language Learners
Note: The Spanish investigations are from earlier work and do not match other versions of this investigation at this time.
Assessment
Standards Alignment
Literacy in History/Social Studies
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.1-8.2, 8.4-8.7
ELA Reading: Information Text
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.1-8.2, 8.4, 8.5-8.6, 8.8-8.9
ELA Writing
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1, 8.4-8.5, 8.7-8.10
ELA Speaking & Listening
CSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1-8.3
Dimension 1: D1.2.6-8.
Dimension 2: D2.Civ.1.6-8-6.6-8, D2.Civ.10.6-8., D2.Civ.13.6-8,
D2.His.1.6-8-6.6-8, D2.His.13.6-8-16.6-8.
Dimension 3: D3.1.6-8-4.6-8.
Dimension 4: D4.1.6-8-6.6-8., D4.8.6-8.