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 were truly “free” following the passage of the 13th Amendment.

The purpose of this lesson is for students to evaluate differing objectives of key leaders of the CIvil War which led to different plans for Reconstruction of the South.  The lesson will include links to Digital History online where students can read about the different plans and investigate a timeline of events during Reconstruction.  Students will interpret secondary and primary sources in this lesson.