In this activity, students will research the Reconstruction Era and create a detailed timeline that reflects the major events that occurred between 1863 and 1877. For each event, students should include the title of the event, a visual representation, and a written description that includes the overall significance of the event. In order for students to thrive in this assignment, they should be encouraged to research ten events, and select the five that they found to be the most interesting.
For the extension activity, students can create an entire class timeline. Students will be required to print out their events and cut and paste them to a larger timeline in the front of the class. Before each student adds an event they should share with the class the event that they are choosing and include at least one fact or description of significance of the event. Teachers can also challenge their class by choosing any five random events and see if their class can place them in the correct order.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options, and update the instructions accordingly.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline detailing at least 5 major events during America's Reconstruction era. Try to pick at least two events that are unfamiliar to you!
Differentiate instruction by offering timeline templates with varying levels of structure and support. Some students benefit from graphic organizers with prompts, while others can work more independently.
Provide images, icons, or sample illustrations for students who struggle with visualization. This helps all learners access content and express understanding in creative ways.
Let students choose between digital, poster, or oral timelines based on their strengths. Multiple formats increase engagement and accessibility for students with different learning styles.
Pair or group students so they can collaborate and support each other. Peer discussion encourages deeper thinking and ensures everyone participates.
Monitor progress with quick check-ins, feedback, and encouragement. Adjust instructions or supports if students are struggling, so everyone can succeed.
Key events to include in a Reconstruction Era timeline are the Emancipation Proclamation, Assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the founding of the Freedmen’s Bureau, the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, Surrender at Appomattox, Juneteenth, the formation of the KKK, the Reconstruction Act, and the impeachment of Andrew Johnson. These events highlight major changes and challenges faced during 1863–1877.
Encourage students to research and select events they find interesting, use visuals, and write brief descriptions explaining the significance of each event. Consider group activities like building a class timeline on the wall or hosting a gallery walk to make the project interactive and engaging.
The best way is to connect each event to its impact on people’s lives, such as how the 13th Amendment ended slavery or how the Freedmen’s Bureau helped formerly enslaved people. Use relatable stories, visuals, and class discussions to help students grasp why these events mattered.
Events like the founding of the Freedmen’s Bureau, the formation of the KKK, and the various acts of Southern states’ readmission to the Union are sometimes overlooked. Including these helps students understand the complexities and challenges during Reconstruction.
Divide students into groups and assign each group several events. Have them research, illustrate, and present their events, then combine their work into a large class timeline or poster. This collaborative approach encourages participation and deeper understanding.