TEXT: Foner, Eric. Give Me Liberty! An American History. Volume Two, Seagull Fifth Edition.
RECONSTRUCTION AND THE EXPANSION OF AMERICAN CIVILIZATION
1865-1890
Foner, Chapters 15, 16
The Era of Reconstruction and Expansion of American Civilization begins with the conclusion of the Civil War and continues through 1890, when the Director of the Census concludes there no longer exists a “frontier” in the United States. The reading beyond the text includes the Reconstruction Amendments (13, 14, 15) to the Constitution. Students will also watch the classic western, “Shane.”
GUIDING QUESTIONS
1. Describe the success of the Reconstruction Amendments over the course of American history.
2. Compare and contrast the kinds of resistance to the Reconstruction Amendments put forward by white southerners and the responses by the federal government.
3. Examine how the related events of the Election of 1876 and the Compromise of 1877 brought about the end of Reconstruction.
4. Review how “Shane’s” portrayal of the west perhaps better represents American’s beliefs about the west rather than the actual west itself.
5. Evaluate how the United States transformed politically, economically and socially in this period (1877-1900).
6. Explain how American freedom was transformed and to whom it extended.
Using the questions below to focus your thinking, take 1-2 paragraphs on the movie’s plot, followed by 2-3 pages of analysis to address these issues.
Each of the following characters represents an archetype. For what does each of the following stand?
Shane Stonewall Torey
Marian Wilson
Joe Chris Calloway
Joey Ryker
What distinct ways of life are illustrated, and which way are they pointing? Is it possible for them to co-exist? If not, which one will survive?
We are never told where Shane comes from or what he’s done before riding onto Starrett’s homestead. Still, his previous occupation is obvious to the viewer, as is his complete background, which is shown to the viewer in small segments. Who/what is he? What are his dreams deferred?
How does this image of “The West” mirror or contrast any previous image you might have held of “The West?”
What’s to become of Shane? Of the Starretts? Of the valley?
In a concluding paragraph explain how “Shane” helps you understand the American past as well as the development of liberty. Also, in this paragraph relate this assignment to Foner—cite specific references to the subject under review to the text, including page numbers from Foner.
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