Reconstruction Video Reaction

The Reconstruction era of American history started in 1863 and was a pivotal period marked by violence.  The violence came from attempts to integrate the newly freed African Americans into society and faced a major backlash from white Southerners who refused to change.  Reconstruction had aimed to reunite the Southern states back with the Union and create a status for the newly freed slaves.  This time gave hope to many African Americans as they searched for their family with ads, claimed their rights with the "Reconstruction Amendments", and built lives after the Civil War.  However, this idea that society could function without racial barriers was quickly stopped by white Southerners.  

The resistance used violence with riots and oppressive laws, known as the Black Codes, as they wanted to control Black labor and maintain white supremacy.  The creation of the Ku Klux Klan sought to reclaim their lives and social order before the Civil War, as they acted like Slave Patrols.  The backlash revealed the deep-seated racism that still remained within the nation despite the end of slavery and the promises from the government for citizenship and rights for Black Americans. 

Even after the Civil War, Black Americans struggled with their rights well into the 1960s, illustrating the failure of the Reconstruction to deliver on their promises.  The hope was that after the 14th Amendment Black families would be given citizenship, and while they had citizenship, the racism and violence from white Southerners made life as an equal citizen.  From the race riots in Memphis that lasted three days, to a white mob in New Orleans that killed over 40 people, cases such as Emmett Till underlined the landscape of this period.  Much like Fredrick Douglass and others noted the political landscape was largely unwelcoming and non-protective of Black citizens due to Southern Democrats like Andrew Johnson.  As their priorities and interests lay with wealthy white landowners over those who had been freed.  

The legacy of Reconstruction is a reminder of the fragility of progress within the system.  While this time gave a glimpse of what equality could look like, it also laid the groundwork for long-lasting racial tension and struggles, shaping the civil rights movements for decades.  

EOTO: Reconstruction Era Reaction

Listening to the EOTO groups allowed me to learn more about the Reconstruction era. The first group taught the class about the positive aspects of the Reconstruction era, hitting topics such as Forty Acres and a Mule, the Freedmen’s Bureau, and the Reconstruction Amendments.  While the other focused on the negatives such as, The Black Codes, The Klan, and the overall Failure of Reconstruction. Both groups did a great job presenting and teaching their peers about their topics.

Kaitlyn discussed Forty Acres and a Mule, which was the promise of land being redistributed to freed black families and some were given army Mules hence the name. The one to pass this order following the war was General Sherman. He made it possible for around 40,000 freedmen to settle on this land. This land had been taken from wealthy confederates. 

Alyson taught us about the Freedmen's Bureau established in 1865. This helped millions of former enslaved people by providing them with food, shelter, medical aid, schooling, and legal assistance. They had set up offices in fifteen states' major cities. The Freedmen's Bureau even helped found historically black colleges such as Howard University. 

On the opposite side, Justin spoke about a negative during this time, which was the Ku Klux Klan. This organization started as a social club in Pulaski, Tennessee in 1865. They targeted any symbols of black autonomy because their goal was to reverse back to how life was before the Reconstruction Era. Some of their members were even made up of well-to-do people in society and not all poor southern whites. When Ulysses S. Grant took executive office he went after the Klan and after this, they gradually went away for some time. 

After hearing Kaitlyn, Alyson, and Justin speak, I feel that I have now learned more about the positive and negative aspects of the Reconstruction Era. 

Mock Trail: Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Honor, I stand before this court today to reinforce the plaintiff’s position that the Separate Car Law is profoundly unconstitutional. The law, in its most basic form, stands in clear violation of our nation’s legal and moral principles.

I begin by reminding the court of a core tenet in our Declaration of Independence: "All men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." Our country was built on these ideals, and they must guide our judgment here today.

As a nation, we face a pivotal moment. The decision this court makes will define how we are seen both by our citizens and the world at large. If we turn our backs on the values that form the foundation of this republic, how can we move forward? How can we expect to be respected?

I also remind you of the importance of the Constitutional amendments added to safeguard these values. This country came together to enshrine the rights of African Americans to citizenship, to vote, and, most importantly, to be protected equally under the law. If this court ignores these protections, the very fabric of our democracy will be at risk.

This case centers on the 14th Amendment, which unequivocally states: "No state shall… deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." Equality is not a vague concept—it is clear, unchanging, and absolute. There are no conditions or exceptions when it comes to equality.

The Separate Car Law, by regulating public transportation based solely on race, is not only unjust but unconstitutional. The Constitution is colorblind. There is no legal or moral basis for a caste system, and there is no ruling class in America. The 14th Amendment was created to ensure that all citizens, regardless of race, stand equal under the law.

The true intent of this state law is to segregate based on race, and this is a blatant violation of the Constitution. One of our most basic rights, the right to personal liberty, is under attack. A man has the right to decide where he wishes to sit, regardless of who his fellow passengers are. The government cannot infringe upon this right by using race as the only justification. 

As it pertains to civil rights, and under the 14th Amendment, "all citizens are equal before the law," regardless of race or color. We are one nation, and the sooner we embrace this truth, the sooner we will see less conflict and less cruelty in our society.

If this court rules against Homer Plessy today, it will not only be undermining its authority, but it will also be undermining the very purpose of the 14th Amendment. Furthermore, it will strip us of our ability, as a nation, to speak of freedom, for we will have compromised the most fundamental principle upon which this nation was founded: personal liberty and individual freedom.

Gone With the Wind Reacion

Gone With the Wind is a critically acclaimed film that has transcended time, giving a cultural significance for decades after the Civil War. As the film starts, viewers are transported into the opulent world of the pre-Civil War South. The stunning sets and costumes, rich in frills and extravagant details, not only reflect the wealth of characters like Scarlett O'Hara but also highlight their disconnection from the harsh realities faced by slaves and working-class whites.

This excess contrasts sharply with Scarlett's appearance at the end of Act 1 when she is worn down by hardship. Her plain clothes and simple fabrics mirror her personal growth and the changing world around her. Although she begins the film as a spoiled, entitled brat, Scarlett develops a gritty determination to survive, driven by her desire never again to experience the desperation she feels at that point. Her icon
ic soliloquy at Tara, where she vows never to go hungry again, is one of the film's most powerful scenes.

While the entire film is a masterpiece, it is Rhett Butler, played by Clark Gable, who truly captivated my interest. Early on, during a lavish party at Ashley Wilkes' home, Rhett stands out for his defiance of the Southern gentry’s confidence in a swift Confederate victory. Unlike the other men, Rhett argues that the South’s lack of industry and naval power meant it had no chance against the Union. His realistic perspective is mocked, but he simply leaves them to their misguided beliefs.

As the war progresses, Rhett amasses great wealth through blockade-running, food speculation, and gambling, making him an outcast among the Southern elite. They view his profiteering as morally unacceptable, even though many throughout history—like Andrew Carnegie during the Civil War or modern politicians during conflicts like the war in Afghanistan—have similarly enriched themselves through war. Although such actions are widespread, they remain morally wrong, as profiting from the suffering of others is indefensible.

What sets Rhett apart is his ultimate redemption. Despite his earlier detachment from the conflict, he eventually joins the Confederate Army in the final months of the war, driven by a desire to preserve the South he grew up in, even as it collapses. This decision, juxtaposed with his initial cynicism and pragmatic outlook, reveals the complexity of his character. His internal conflict between self-interest and loyalty makes Rhett one of the most intriguing figures in the film.

The film’s depiction of race remains controversial. Hattie McDaniel’s portrayal of Mammy earned her an Academy Award, yet the character of Prissy has drawn criticism for perpetuating offensive stereotypes. Scenes like Scarlett slapping Prissy during Melanie’s labor are uncomfortable, but they reflect the brutal reality of the time. While these depictions are troubling, erasing or sanitizing them risks ignoring the painful history they represent. Confronting these issues, rather than avoiding them, is essential to understanding the darker chapters of America's past.

In the end, Gone With the Wind is a complex, multifaceted film, with characters like Scarlett and Rhett embodying the moral and social struggles of the time. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to provoke reflection on history, identity, and the choices we make.

Mock Trail: State v. Mann Reaction

Today the talk of the courtroom we listened in to the arguments for and against John Mann.  John Mann, a white man, is being accused of the assault and attempted murder of a slave named Lydia.  The slave in question was loaned to Mr. Mann by Ms. Elisabeth Jones, received a harsh beating, and then tried to flee the abuse.  It was during her attempted run from the beating, that Mr. Mann drawled his weapon and shot Lydia in her back. 

During their first trial, the state had brought the previously stated charge against Mr. Mann, who received a fine of 10 dollars for his crime.  This brings us to the courtroom today, as Mr. Mann has decided to appeal his fine. 

Arguments favoring enslaved Lydia followed a more humane trend. They spoke on how human life is a life, and how statutes under the law should apply to all people living within the state lines, regardless of skin tone.  The state gave many arguments based on ethical and moral dilemmas with Mr. Manns actions, however, these have yet to have an impact on the law.  Their main argument, which had legal backing, was that Mr. Mann was not the enslaver of Lydia.  This brought up how, with no real rights over the punishment of the slave, Mr. Mann should not have raised his hand against Lydia without the explicit consent of Ms. Jones.  This however being the strongest argument the State made within the case did not hold up against Mr. Manns defense.  

Once Mr. Manns lawyers took the floor, we heard the over-arching legal nature of his defense.  Mr. Mann had acted within the law of property ownership, seeing as enslaved people like Lydia were seen as property within the state.  This gave Mr. Mann a leg up within the courts as it was an actual legal argument.  This combined with the arguments of how the culture was brought the case to a close.

The presiding Judge Thomas Ruffin issued the new verdict that the defendant, Mr. John Mann, is not to pay the 10-dollar fine.  This case reminds us of how the Southern states see an enslaved individual as a piece of property, and the stark difference of both law and morals coming together.  

EOTO: The Secession of South Carolina

The secession of South Carolina from the United States on December 20, 1860, marked a critical turning point in American history, setting the stage for the Civil War. This event was not only the first formal act of secession by a Southern state but also a catalyst for the broader secessionist movement that swept across the South in the months following. South Carolina's secession is significant for various reasons, including its deep roots in political, social, and economic conflicts that had been simmering for decades between the North and South, most notably over the issues of slavery, states' rights, and sectional power.

By the mid-19th century, the United States was becoming increasingly polarized. The North, with its growing industrial economy, was diverging sharply from the South, which remained predominantly agrarian and dependent on slavery. The abolitionist movement gained momentum in the North, advocating for the end of slavery, while the South saw slavery as essential to its economy and way of life.  The state’s economy having been heavily reliant on enslaved labor, particularly within the cotton industry, saw any threat to the institution of slavery as a threat to their economic survival and social structure. This fear was exacerbated by the election of 

Abraham Lincoln as President in November 1860. Lincoln was a Republican, and although he had not campaigned on a platform of immediate abolition, the South feared that his administration would eventually move to restrict and ultimately abolish slavery. For many in South Carolina, Lincoln's election was the final straw.
Following Lincoln’s election, South Carolina wasted little time moving toward secession.

On December 20, 1860, a special convention was held in Charleston where delegates voted unanimously in favor of secession. The convention drafted the "Declaration of the Immediate Causes Which Induce and Justify the Secession of South Carolina from the Federal Union," which laid out the state’s reasons for seceding. The document explicitly linked South Carolina’s decision to the issue of slavery, arguing that the non-slaveholding states had "denounced as sinful the institution of slavery" and had refused to uphold the Constitution by allowing the return of fugitive slaves, as required by the Fugitive Slave Act. The declaration framed secession as a necessary defense of both states' rights and the institution of slavery.

South Carolina’s secession was more than just a reaction to Lincoln’s election; it was a response to long-standing grievances. The state had a long history of advocating for states’ rights and nullification, having previously threatened to secede during the Nullification Crisis of 1832-33 when President Andrew Jackson sought to enforce federal tariff laws that South Carolina opposed. 

The secession was significant as it triggered a wave of secession by other Southern states, leading to the formation of the Confederate States of America in early 1861. Over the next few months, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas all followed South Carolina’s lead, seceding from the Union. The secessionists argued that the Union was a voluntary compact among sovereign states and that they had the right to withdraw from it if the federal government violated their rights. The federal government, along with the backing of the Northern States, viewed these acts as unconstitutional. This fundamental disagreement over the nature of the Union was an underlying cause that would only be resolved after the Civil War.

No matter how the secession of South Carolina is examined, it was a pivotal event that led directly to the Civil War. It reflected deep-seated divisions within the United States over slavery, states' rights, and the nature of the Union. As the first state to secede, South Carolina set the stage for a broader Southern rebellion and ultimately the most destructive conflict in American history.