Comparing Johnson and Radical Republican Reconstruction Plans

How did the differing approaches of Johnson and Radical Republicans to reconstruction reflect their contrasting views on the best way to reunite the country after the Civil War? This lesson examines Andrew Johnson’s and Congressional Radical Republicans Reconstruction plans. Students will review and examine both plans to best conclude which plan should be implemented by Congress.

Included in this resource:

Do Now primary source photograph analysis with questions
Johnson and Radical Republicans Reconstruction Plans reading passage with guided questions
Comparing Reconstruction Plans Activity
Students will become members of Congress as they analyze the pros and cons of each reconstruction plan
They will create two to three questions to ask either Johnson’s or Republicans’ team
After the team presentations, they will vote on the best plan
Some students will be on either Johnson’s or Republicans’ team as:
President Johnson or Senator Wade
Public Relations Person
Chief Speech Writer
Press Secretary
★ Please Note: I execute this lesson with my 8th grade honors students and my 11th grade gen-ed students. Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you!

©2023 A Social Studies Life

For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.