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/magazine/ah/1983/6/19
83_6_10.shtml
§ 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?