Reconstruction: America After the Civil War

Join us weekly as we view the four-part series “Reconstruction: America After the Civil War,” and discuss the ways that the Reconstruction has shaped our country, the South, and the lives of African Americans.

We know about aspects of slavery and the Civil War, but what happened after the slaves were freed? Henry Louis Gates Jr. hosts this vital new documentary, exploring how the United States emerged from the Civil War, and struggled to rebuild itself in the face of profound loss, massive destruction, and revolutionary social change.

As we learn this chapter in American history, that perhaps we should have learned in high school, we will discuss the origins of our systemic racism, and the important first steps in making any progress in race relations in America. 

Log on to Zoom through the link below, to watch with other members of the class one hour prior to the discussion, or watch on your own, and then join the discussion at 6:30 pm. 

Visit www.pbs.org/weta/reconstruction/ for access to the documentary. A KCTS PBS Passport is required for viewing, this documentary is no longer available for free. Please join us at 5:30 to view if you cannot access via the Passport. 

Download a printable Reconstruction Timeline with notes.