“A Most Practical Movement”: The Civil Engagement of Black Americans During Reconstruction to Gain and Exercise Equal Rights

During Reconstruction, formerly enslaved men and women advocated for and exercised many of their rights as U.S. citizens. In this lesson, students will analyze primary sources related to the civic actions that African American citizens took during Reconstruction as they attempted to gain and exercise full citizenship rights. Students will develop a more comprehensive understanding of these actions and their importance.