Comparing Lincoln and Johnson's Reconstruction Plans

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

Included in this resource:

Do Now prior knowledge assessment - What challenges and post-war problems does President Johnson face after Lincoln’s assassination?
Lincoln and Johnson Reconstruction Plans reading passage with guided questions
Comparing Presidential Reconstruction Plans Activity
Students will become members of Congress as they analyze the pros and cons of each presidential reconstruction plan
They will create two to three questions to ask either Lincoln’s or Johnson’s team
After the team presentations, they will vote on the best plan
Some students will be on either Lincoln or Johnson’s team as:
President Lincoln or Johnson
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!

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