reconstruction and the west
Choose one question pertaining to developments in the South and one question pertaining to developments in the West.
The South
- Columbia historian Eric Foner quotes W.E.B. DuBois in calling
Reconstruction a “splendid failure.” After studying the events of the
late 19th century, defend whether or not you agree with his position.
What are the long-term implications?
Foner, E. (1983, October/November). The new
view of reconstruction. American Heritage Magazine, 34(6). Retrieved
from
http://staging.americanheritage.com/articles/magaz…
- Some historians argue that Radical Reconstruction was not radical
enough. After studying the events of the late 19th century, defend
whether or not you agree with this position. What are the long-term
implications? - The post-Civil War South has been called the “New South.” In what
ways did it succeed in reinventing itself? In what ways did it fail?
The West
- How did western settlement, particularly in terms of railroad
expansion and farming, lead to inevitable conflicts with the Native
Americans? Highlight at least one engagement in your answer. - How did the culture of the Plains Indians, specifically the Lakota Sioux, change in the late 19th century?
- Describe President Grant’s Peace Policy and the subsequent
widespread adaptation of the reservation as a solution to the “Indian
problem.” What was life like on a reservation in, say, 1890?
Write a 350-word response to each of your chosen questions. Plus Introduction and conclusion
Format your assignment according to appropriate course level APA guidelines.

