Unit 1 Writing Task

You have read two important 19th-century speeches. In the first, Frederick Douglass looks forward to the liberation of people from slavery. In the second, Abraham Lincoln looks forward to the end of a war and to a just and lasting peace.

Write an informative essay that looks at American history after the Civil War and that answers this question:

Did the nation achieve the goals that Douglass and Lincoln desired?

Begin by doing some research. Investigate the period following the Civil War by looking up "Reconstruction" and taking notes on your findings. Include facts, details, and definitions that clarify your response. Connect your findings to specific details from the selections in the Whole Class Learning.

For a model of a well-crafted informative essay, see the Launch Text, "The Zigzag Road to Freedom"

Possible Sentence Starters

Americans tend to believe that the goals of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln were achieved after the end of the Civil War. (Insert some of their goals here.) 

To agree - Some may argue (insert opposing side). However, based on research, it is clear that the nation achieved the goals that Douglass and Lincoln desired.

To disagree - Some may argue that the nation achieved the goals that Douglass and Lincoln desired. However, based on research, (insert argument).

Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two prominent figures in 19th-century America, envisioned a future of liberation and lasting peace. In my informative essay, I will examine whether the nation achieved the goals they desired.

To answer the question of whether the nation achieved the desired goals of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, a thorough investigation of the period following the Civil War, known as Reconstruction, is necessary.

Exemplary Response:

American History after the Civil War: Achieving the Goals of Douglass and Lincoln

The period following the Civil War, known as Reconstruction, marked a crucial turning point in American history. It aimed to bring about the goals envisioned by influential figures such as Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In this essay, we will explore whether the nation achieved these goals and analyze the impact of Reconstruction on American society.

Reconstruction was a process that sought to rebuild the South and integrate newly emancipated slaves into society. It can be divided into three phases: Presidential Reconstruction, Congressional Reconstruction, and Redemption. The primary objectives of Reconstruction were to ensure equal rights for African Americans and restore the Southern states to the Union.

Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist, writer, and former slave, played a significant role in advocating for the liberation of African Americans. Through his speeches, Douglass emphasized the need to eradicate slavery and grant African Americans their freedom. His vision encompassed a society where all individuals, regardless of race, enjoyed the benefits of liberty and equality. It is important to examine whether the nation achieved Douglass's vision.

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, had a distinct aspiration for peace and justice. Lincoln's goal was to reunite the divided nation and establish a lasting peace. He took significant steps towards ending slavery, including issuing the Emancipation Proclamation and supporting the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment. The question arises: Did the nation fulfill Lincoln's aspiration?

While Reconstruction made significant strides towards achieving the goals envisioned by Douglass and Lincoln, it also faced numerous challenges and fell short in various aspects. One of the achievements of Reconstruction was the ratification of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments, which granted equal rights and suffrage to African Americans. Additionally, the Reconstruction Acts placed the Southern states under military rule, ensuring the protection of civil rights. However, Reconstruction also saw the rise of Jim Crow laws, voter suppression, and the reign of terror by organizations like the Ku Klux Klan.

The impact of Reconstruction on the nation's overall progress cannot be overlooked. Although African Americans gained civil rights and made some political advances during this period, the oppressive Jim Crow era hindered true equality. It is essential to recognize both the achievements and limitations of Reconstruction when reflecting on American history after the Civil War.

In conclusion, Reconstruction was a pivotal period in American history that aimed to achieve the goals envisioned by Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. While it made significant strides towards equality and justice, Reconstruction fell short in various aspects. The achievements of Reconstruction, such as the ratification of amendments and the protection of civil rights, must be acknowledged. However, the rise of discriminatory laws and organizations hindered true progress. To truly understand American history after the Civil War, it is crucial to recognize the complexities and impact of Reconstruction.

Non-Exemplary Response:

Reconstruction: Did It Work?

Reconstruction was after the Civil War. It was when they tried to fix things. Did they fix it? I don't know. Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln wanted things to be better. But did it happen? Maybe. There were three phases of Reconstruction. First, there was Presidential Reconstruction. Then there was something else. And last, there was Redemption. They all aimed to bring back the Southern states and make things better for African Americans. Did they do that? I'm not sure.

Douglass wanted freedom for African Americans. Lincoln wanted peace. Did they get it? I don't think so. Some say Reconstruction was successful. They passed some laws and stuff. But there were also bad things. Like Jim Crow and the KKK. So, I guess Reconstruction was good, but also bad.

In conclusion, Reconstruction happened, and some good things came out of it. But there were also bad things. So, I don't know if it worked. It was just a thing that happened after the Civil War. Yeah. That's it.