The Civil War and Reconstruction - 1865-1890: The Unfinished Revolution

Course Description

"The Civil War and Reconstruction - 1865-1890: The Unfinished Revolution" is an intermediate-level course offered by ColumbiaX that delves deep into one of the most transformative periods in American history. This comprehensive course explores the Reconstruction era, a pivotal time that followed the Civil War and marked the first attempt to build an interracial democracy in the United States. As part of the XSeries on Civil War and Reconstruction, this course offers students a unique opportunity to examine the complex issues that shaped post-war America and continue to resonate in our society today.

What Students Will Learn

  • A nuanced understanding of the Reconstruction era and its significance in American history
  • The evolution of historical interpretations of the Reconstruction period
  • Critical analysis of citizenship, civil rights, and the balance between federal and state power
  • The relationship between political and economic freedom in post-Civil War America
  • The process of rewriting laws and the Constitution to incorporate racial equality
  • Successes and failures of Reconstruction governments in the South
  • Causes of violent opposition to Reconstruction and the North's eventual retreat
  • The emergence and consolidation of a new white supremacy system

Prerequisites

While there are no specific prerequisites for this course, a basic understanding of American history and the Civil War period would be beneficial. Students should be prepared to engage with complex historical concepts, analyze primary sources, and think critically about the interconnections between past events and contemporary issues.

Course Coverage

  • The dramatic shift in historians' interpretations of the Reconstruction era
  • The concept of American citizenship and citizens' rights
  • The interplay between political and economic freedom
  • Federal vs. state responsibilities in protecting citizens' rights
  • Government responses to terrorism during Reconstruction
  • Constitutional and legal changes to incorporate racial equality
  • Achievements and shortcomings of Southern Reconstruction governments
  • Violent opposition to Reconstruction in the South
  • Reasons for the North's retreat from Reconstruction efforts
  • The establishment of a new white supremacy system in the late 19th century

Who This Course Is For

  • History enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of the Reconstruction era
  • Students of American politics and social justice
  • Educators looking to enhance their knowledge of this critical period
  • Anyone interested in the evolution of civil rights and democracy in America
  • Individuals who want to explore the connections between historical events and contemporary issues

Real-World Applications

  • Enhancing critical thinking and analytical skills applicable to various professions
  • Developing a nuanced understanding of current social and political issues rooted in historical contexts
  • Improving the ability to interpret and analyze complex historical information
  • Gaining insights into the ongoing struggle for equality and civil rights in America
  • Developing a more informed perspective on contemporary debates about federalism and states' rights
  • Enhancing skills in historical research and interpretation, valuable in fields such as journalism, law, and education
  • Contributing to more informed discussions on race relations and social justice in modern America

Syllabus Overview

  1. Introduction to the Reconstruction era and its historical interpretations
  2. The concept of citizenship and civil rights in post-Civil War America
  3. Constitutional and legal changes during Reconstruction
  4. The establishment and operations of Reconstruction governments in the South
  5. Violence and opposition to Reconstruction efforts
  6. The role of federal and state governments in protecting citizens' rights
  7. The relationship between political and economic freedom
  8. The North's retreat from Reconstruction and its consequences
  9. The rise of a new system of white supremacy
  10. The legacy of Reconstruction and its relevance to contemporary America

This course offers a unique opportunity to explore the civil-war-and-reconstruction-course material, providing valuable insights into the reconstruction-era and its lasting impact on american-history. By examining the complexities of interracial-democracy and the struggle for citizens-rights, students will gain a deeper understanding of the ongoing challenges in achieving true equality-regardless-of-race in America.