The end of the Civil War left the United States in tatters. Both the South and the North were economically devastated after four years of bitter warfare that had broken up families, separated neighbors, and resulted in a great deal of bloodshed and death. The task that faced the nation was not only one of reuniting the two sides but also of finding a way to heal. We are now well into the 21st century and more than 150 years have passed since the Civil War ended. Many historians and social commentators believe that the healing of America remains incomplete.
I would like you to prepare a 250-500 word well-researched and properly cited essay that reflects on the process of healing. To prepare for this assignment, please:
Read through Chapter 1 of the United States History II online textbook and chapter 15 of The American Yawp collective history text.
Read Amendments 13, 14, and 15 of the U.S. Constitution.
View former president Barack Obama’s 2013 inaugural address.
Review the Historical Writing Guidelines and the M1 Study Guide: Using the Chicago Style.
Please find at least one news report published within the past six months that discusses the social condition of America today.
As you write your essay, use these readings to:
Describe the extent to which Amendments 13, 14, and 15 helped initiate a more perfect Union, as described in the readings, Obama’s address, and the text of the amendments themselves.
Identify at least three factors in 19th century American society that hindered the expansion of freedom and rights in the reunited nation.
Evaluate Obama’s assessment of the nation’s potential to heal.
Examine the current social condition of America, as described in the news article you find.
Conclude how the legacy of Reconstruction may or may not be dividing the nation today.
Please use the Chicago Style for citations, and take care to ensure that the citations are completed properly. For assistance in completing your assignment utilize the resources available to you in the Library Resources, Academic Integrity, and Research Guidelines page of the Course Information documents.
Your Assignment will be assessed on the strength of the historical question you ask as well the extent to which you develop your argument based on the selected documents along with the Historical Writing Guidelines.