Introduction
In this chapter students have read about the rebuilding of the South and the work of bringing the nation together. This period also saw changes in the lives of African Americans. The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery. The Freedmen's Bureau provided food, medical services, and schools to many of the newly freed African Americans. For the first time African American men were allowed to vote and hold elected office. In this activity students will learn more about the first African American members of the United States Congress.

Lesson Description
Students will visit a site maintained by the Congressional Black Caucus. This site documents the history of African Americans in Congress. Here they can read about Hiram Revels and his service in the United States Senate. After answering several questions, students will create a newspaper story about Senator Revels.

Instructional Objectives

1. The learner will be able to explain when African Americans first had the opportunity to serve in Congress.
2. The learner will be able to describe issues that Senator Revels supported.
3. The learner will be able to summarize the life of Senator Revels in a newspaper story.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. during Reconstruction
2. There were 100 whites and 40 African Americans in the state legislature.
3. Jefferson Davis
4. He opposed segregation in the Washington, D.C., public schools, spoke for African Americans who were denied seats in the Georgia General Assembly, aided African American mechanics who sought employment in the Washington Navy Yard, and favored full citizenship for ex-Confederates who affirmed loyalty for the United States.
5. Students' newspaper stories will vary.

Go To Student Web Activity