After Reconstruction: Problems of African Americans in the South Student Lesson

Section 1: Introduction

When Reconstruction ended in 1877, African Americans in the South faced many of the problems they had faced since Emancipation. Some of these problems were getting worse, and new problems were gaining importance.

In your group:

1. Brainstorm a list of new and intensifying problems African Americans in the South faced after Reconstruction. Use what you know about conditions during Reconstruction and racial attitudes in the region to develop ideas.

2. Record your ideas on a piece of paper.

3. Study the Timeline of African American History in African American Perspectives, 1818-1907.

4. Use the Timeline and your own ideas to develop a list of three to five important problems facing African Americans in the South after Reconstruction.

5. When you have completed your list, you will discuss it with the rest of your class.