The goal of this module is to provide USII students with background knowledge in the Civil War as they begin the Reconstruction curriculum. Each day begins with a Hook for the day’s content. This hook is designed to engage students in the day’s content through a whole class or small group discussion. Students will independently review the provided Learning Resources for each Learning Intention.  They should review all of the available resources to get a full understanding of this topic. Students will independently complete the Success Check for all Learning Intentions to receive credit for the module. There are optional Extension activities associated with each day. This extension is designed to connect USII Geography content with the Civil War content.  Google Drive Folder with all resources (must make a copy of each resource to modify): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jG7DTzswj3bsZM7xKHfMgJhVM07evQfN?usp=sharing Google Docs Lesson plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ErmsDxexiKYJNbqz49QqIGAxuDHZ00O2NJ6B5X3caww/copy

Authors: John Marshall Center for Constitutional History & CivicsSarah Waltman King, Richmond Public Schools In 1865, the ratification of the 13th Amendment officially ended slavery in the United States. After fighting for their liberty before and during the Civil War, enslaved African Americans saw their dreams of emancipation realized. In the years that followed the end of the war, Virginia and other southern states had to reconfigure their social, economic, and political systems during a period called Reconstruction. During this era, newly freed Black Virginians experienced advancements but also encountered barriers to achieving true equality. This lesson explores  whether African Americans truly “free” following the passage of the 13th Amendment.Key Hook/QuestionWere African Americans truly free following the passage of the 13th Amendment?