Reconstruction: Putting the Pieces Back Together

The era after the Civil War is often referred to as Reconstruction. The basic premise behind this moniker is America was split in two from 1861-1865, so the following decade was spent reconstructing the country. As you are going to learn, this was an incredibly delicate process with mixed results.

For this week's blog, visit this website and read any three of the fifteen links under the "Textbook Section". In the comments section, summarize what you learned from each link you read. Remember, your post must be at least 200 words and must include the word count.

Civil War: Self-Guided Tour

The Civil War is so important for countless reasons. We could do a whole year's worth of blogs and never completely cover every aspect. Some people love to study the battles. Others like how it affected women, slaves and free blacks. Others focus on Jefferson Davis vs. Abraham Lincoln. Still others study the music and poetry of the time. Etc. Etc.

So for this week's blog I am going to give you a list of things you can research concerning the Civil War. You must pick three (3) and write 100 words on each of your choices. That is a total of 300 words for this week's blog. Consequently, this week's blog will be worth 150 points rather than the usual 50. Choose wisely and enjoy exploring this topic!

Options:
*Clara Barton
*Women as nurses
*Women as spies
*Women as soldiers
*Massachusetts 54th Regiment
*Civil War Poetry
*Civil War Songs
*Baseball & The Civil War
*Monitor & The Merrimack
*Lincoln's problems with his generals
*Antietam
*First Bull Run
*Second Bull Run
*Gettysburg, Shiloh
*Sherman's March to the Sea
*Andersonville Prison
*Grant's Wilderness Campaign
*Lincoln's growing war-time executive power
*Copperheads
*Appomattox Courthouse
*Lincoln's Assassination
*Capture of Jefferson Davis
*Passing of the 13th Amendment

Road To The Civil War: Slavery or States' Rights?

This week, you need to research the topic of slavery vs. states' rights. There are two very entrenched camps regarding this issue. Some historians claim the Civil War was caused by slavery and others claim it was all about states' rights.

Write two sentences explaining each side. Then, describe which side you fall on and why.

Utopian Societies: The Shakers

During this era of 19th century reform, a popular movement was the operation of utopian societies. Essentially, leaders of utopian societies would claim that seclusion from the world was the only way to purely live. These communities often included the ideas of communal property and sometimes even shared/open marriages. Some societies even had communal children!

A very interesting example of a 19th century utopian movement were the Shakers. Read this article, which describes the movement and gives a first-hand account of this group.

For the comments...
1-List five facts from the article.
2-Would you have wanted to join the Shakers? Why or why not?

The Age of Reform: Doing Some Good...Finally!

For this week, choose one of the topics below and research it thoroughly.

In the comments section, answer these three questions about your topic.
1. What was the problem this movement was dealing with?
2. How did Americans react to this particular movement?
3. What was the result? Good or bad?

Topics:
Horace Mann & Education Reform
Abolition
The Temperance Movement
Dorothea Dix & Prison/Mental Institutions Reform

Manifest Destiny: American Progress

This painting is titled American Progress and was created by John Gast in 1872. This piece of art is the seminal work representing the term Manifest Destiny. 

For the comments section this week, provide a definition for Manifest Destiny. Then, give at least two (2) examples from American Progress that demonstrate/provide evidence for the definition you posted.

Political Cartoon: King Jackson

                                        This image is a famous political cartoon about Andrew Jackson. Study it carefully. In the comments section, make five observations about the cartoon. Then, explain whether you think this cartoon was created by Jackson supporters or Jackson haters.