The Reconstruction period will perhaps always be one of the most controversial in South Carolina's history. In this lesson we use a number of vignettes tied together, by the host, to present various views and events of the times. These include:
- An incident at Trinity Episcopal church in Columbia
- Though the Emancipation Proclamation had been in eflect since 1863, its full effect wasn't felt until the end of the war. Most southerners. both black and white, were not prepared to deal with this.
- Term "carpetbagger" formed
- Corruption ran rampart in state government.
- Native white South Carolinians who sided with the new regime were referred to as "scalawags."
- Introduction to Robert Smalls
- The "Red Shin Campaign" arose
- Voter polls - eligibility requirements
BACKGROUND: "There was probably no more a trying period in South Carolina's history than the years 1865-1877. The people were exhausted by the war, stunned by defeat, and overwhelmed by the political confusion arising out of the Reconstruction. Actually, the social, economic, and political changes that followed the war shook South Carolina to her depths.
Reconstruction fell into two periods: (l) Presidential Reconstruction, 1865-68, and (2) Radical Reconstruction, 1868-77. All ex-Confederate states went through some form of Reconstruction. But only in South Carolina, Louisiana, and Florida did reconstruction last until 1877. By contrast, reconstruction in Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee was brief and not nearly so violent and tragic."
Reference: The History of South Carolina in the Building of the Nation, Archie Vernon Huff, Jr. and Alester G. Furman, lll, 1991 , pp.277-291.
Standards
- 3-4 The student will demonstrate an understanding of life in the antebellum period, the causes and effects of the Civil War, and the impact of Reconstruction in South Carolina.
- This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into founding principles as viewed through this period of federal government involvement, the development and realignment of a new labor system not based on a system of slavery, and the significant political realignment of the South.
- This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into how Reconstruction resulted in the foundation for the struggle for civil rights. This indicator was also developed to foster inquiry into Reconstruction Era policies such as Constitutional amendme...
- 4.5.CX Contextualize the economic, labor, political, and social conditions in South Carolina during the period of Reconstruction.
- 4.5.E Analyze multiple perspectives of the economic, political, and social effects of Reconstruction on different populations in the South and in other regions of the U.S.
- 5-1 The student will demonstrate an understanding of Reconstruction and its impact on the United States.
- Reconstruction was a period of great hope, incredible change, and efforts at rebuilding. To understand Reconstruction and race relations in the United States, the student will utilize the knowledge and skills set forth in the following indicators:
- 5-1.3 Explain the purpose and motivations of subversive groups during Reconstruction and their rise to power after the withdrawal of federal troops from the South.
- 5-1.4 Compare the political, economic, and social effects of Reconstruction on different populations in the South and in other regions of the United States.
- Reconstruction was a period of great hope, incredible change, and efforts at rebuilding. To understand Reconstruction and race relations in the United States, the student will utilize the knowledge and skills set forth in the following indicators:
- 8-5 The student will understand the impact of Reconstruction, industrialization, and Progressivism on society and politics in South Carolina in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
- During the periods of Reconstruction, industrial expansion, and the Progressive movement, South Carolina searched for ways to revitalize its economy while maintaining its traditional society. To understand South Carolina’s experience as represen...
- 8-5.1 Analyze the development of Reconstruction policy and its impact in South Carolina, including the presidential and the congressional reconstruction plans, the role of black codes, and the Freedmen’s Bureau.
- 8-5.2 Describe the economic impact of Reconstruction on South Carolinians in each of the various social classes.
- 8-5.3 Summarize the successes and failures of Reconstruction in South Carolina, including the creation of political, educational, and social opportunities for African Americans; the rise of discriminatory groups; and the withdrawal of federal protection.
- 8-5.4 Summarize the policies and actions of South Carolina’s political leadership in implementing discriminatory laws that established a system of racial segregation, intimidation, and violence.
- During the periods of Reconstruction, industrial expansion, and the Progressive movement, South Carolina searched for ways to revitalize its economy while maintaining its traditional society. To understand South Carolina’s experience as represen...
- This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into the significant causes of World War I and the factors leading to U.S. involvement. This indicator was also developed to promote inquiry into the effects of the war, to include its impact on the homefront, migration patterns, and continued foreign policy debates.
