Reconstruction & Its Unraveling

1865–1877

The Reconstruction Era followed the Civil War and focused on rebuilding the South and integrating formerly enslaved people into society. This period was fraught with challenges, including resistance to change and the emergence of Jim Crow laws.

Lessons From
Reconstruction & Its Unraveling
Lesson #
24

Institutions are only as strong as their occupants

Annette Gordon-Reed
studying
Andrew Johnson
Lesson #
25

Loyalty to principle is harder and more vital than to power

Stanley McChyrstal
studying
Ulysses S. Grant
Lesson #
26

Reconciliation requires empathy without surrendering principle

Yuval Levin
studying
Julia Grant
Lesson #
27

Leadership means knowing how to play the long game

Stephen Skowronek
studying
Rutherford B. Hayes
Resources About
Reconstruction & Its Unraveling
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Video:

Ulysses S. Grant

Bill of Rights Institute
July 29, 2026

Teacher's Guide: 

John Adams and Respect

PBS News Hour
|
Est. time:
50 min
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 -
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1830
 -
1848
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