Reconstruction
Session 1: The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution

Materials

• Poster-size pieces of paper
• Markers
• Copy of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments

Instructional Activities

1. Explain to students that the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments were ratified at the end of the Civil War. Each amendment was significant in extending equal rights to African Americans. Have students work in small groups to illustrate one of the three amendments. Amendments may be randomly assigned to the groups.
   
   
2. Provide each group with markers, a piece of poster-size paper, and a copy of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. Instruct students that their poster designs must include:
   •    the title of the amendment
   •    an explanation of the amendment in the students’ own words
   •    a picture illustrating the main idea(s) of the amendment.
   
   Encourage students to be colorful and creative.
   
   
3. After students have completed their posters, lead a class discussion on what impact each amendment had on equality for African Americans. Was the amendment effective? What obstacles did African Americans still face regardless of these amendments? What long-term impact did the passage of these amendments have on the history of the United States?