#408: Reconstruction Simulation: Preparation

In class today we will continue working with the documents to answer the questions we posed initially about Foner. If you would like, you may use the following chart (Google Doc) to help you organize your evidence.

Beginning by the end of class today and continuing tonight for homework, you should prepare an outline for tomorrow’s in-class writing assignment. That assignment will ask you to provide a position statement for each of the following questions utilizing evidence from Foner and Harper’s Weekly:

1. Under what conditions should the South be allowed back into the Union? Who in the former Confederate States of America should be pardoned?
2. What political rights should Free Blacks and Freedmen acquire?
3. What social and economic rights should Free Blacks and Freedmen acquire?
4. Should Reconstruction be implemented on a national or state level? Why does this distinction matter?

As you prepare your outline remember that an outstanding position statement will:

1. Make a clear argument that accurately represents your character’s viewpoint.
2. Incorporate biographical details from your individual “Cast of Characters” bio (for the list of bios, click here).
3. Utilize and cite(!) evidence presented in both Foner and Harper’s Weekly.
4. Address and defuse counterarguments.

Note on citations:

• Citations should be clear and consistent. For our class, this is always the most important measure of a good citation.
• In history class you should generally practice using Chicago/Turabian footnotes for your citations. Style guides change over time and vary from publisher to publisher. However, this is what the 16th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style suggests (this Perdue University Online Writing Center guide is always helpful):
  • Author Name, "Article Title," Publication, Date, page #.
  • Emily Macel, “Beijing’s Modern Movement,” Dance Magazine, February 2009, 35.