Reconstruction Era Political Cartoons Quiz

According to the cartoon, why was life during Reconstruction for formerly enslaved African Americans “Worse Than Slavery”?

• Because members of the Democratic party had wanted to compromise with the Confederacy towards the end of the Civil War, allowing slavery to continue in southern states.

• Despite commitments to equality demonstrated in the form of constitutional amendments, African Americans continued to be oppressed through violence and disenfranchisement carried out by openly active white-led organizations like the White League and Ku Klux Klan.

• Because images of African Americans at the time frequently perpetuated stereotypes of subservience and ineptitude.

• Because the unifying symbolism of the U.S. seal had been co-opted to uphold and promote white supremacy, empowering groups like the White League and Ku Klux Klan.

Who was the audience for this political cartoon and where would they have seen it?

• African American congressmen attending the constitutional conventions of 1867–1868.

• Northern Republican voters who read Harper’s Weekly magazine.

• Southern Democrats reading pamphlets created for the party convention in 1868.

• Northern Republican voters seeing broadsides displayed in urban centers.

My dear sir: Pardon delay - answer to your letter made careful enquiry necessary. From all I can learn colored Lawyers are admitted to practice in Southern Courts, and I am very glad to admit the fact - for it implies a wonderful revolution in the public sentiment of the Southern States. I have not yet learned what are the inequalities between the races as to school privileges at the South. In some of the states the time allotted to colored schools is less than that allowed to whites. And I have heard and believe that in none of the states are the teachers of colored Schools as well paid as the teachers of White schools. My own observation has been that white teachers of Colored Schools in the southern states, show but little interest in their pupils. This is not strange, since they have been selected as teachers more because of their necessities, than from any interests they have shown in the progress and elevation of the colored race. [struck: bu] I say this not of all, but of those in Virginia for instance who have come under my observation.         In Kentucky I believe so far as the law is concerned equal advantages are extended to colored children for Education, and the Same may be true of other states. I think the Bureau of Education will give you all the information you may require on this branch of the subject of your inquiries. Our wrongs are not so much now in written laws which all may see - but the hidden practices of a people who have not yet abandoned the idea of Mastery and dominion over their fellow man. With great Respect    Yours truly        Fredk Douglass

How did state legislatures in the South begin to change as a result of Reconstruction?

• Many white southerners began to support African American leaders in state legislatures.

• African Americans were ensured an education, although not always equal.

• The Democratic Party took control of state legislatures from the Republicans.

• State legislatures began to focus on passing laws to defy the Reconstruction government.

My dear sir: Pardon delay - answer to your letter made careful enquiry necessary. From all I can learn colored Lawyers are admitted to practice in Southern Courts, and I am very glad to admit the fact - for it implies a wonderful revolution in the public sentiment of the Southern States. I have not yet learned what are the inequalities between the races as to school privileges at the South. In some of the states the time allotted to colored schools is less than that allowed to whites. And I have heard and believe that in none of the states are the teachers of colored Schools as well paid as the teachers of White schools. My own observation has been that white teachers of Colored Schools in the southern states, show but little interest in their pupils. This is not strange, since they have been selected as teachers more because of their necessities, than from any interests they have shown in the progress and elevation of the colored race. [struck: bu] I say this not of all, but of those in Virginia for instance who have come under my observation.         In Kentucky I believe so far as the law is concerned equal advantages are extended to colored children for Education, and the Same may be true of other states. I think the Bureau of Education will give you all the information you may require on this branch of the subject of your inquiries. Our wrongs are not so much now in written laws which all may see - but the hidden practices of a people who have not yet abandoned the idea of Mastery and dominion over their fellow man. With great Respect    Yours truly        Fredk Douglass

Which of the following people would have disagreed with the sentiment of the letter above?

• A former plantation owner in the South.

• A Massachusetts senator.

• Ulysses S. Grant.

• Andrew Johnson.

Which of the following claims is best supported with evidence from the political cartoon and passage above?

• A. African Americans faced racist challenges from groups in the community during Reconstruction.

• B. Legal rights gave African Americans the same quality of life as their white peers.

• C. After the Civil War, African Americans faced few challenges from racist groups.

• D. Legal protection granted during Reconstruction built unity in the communities.