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Question

Argument Writing Prompt:
Comparing the Impact of Reconstruction and the Progressive Era on Modern America

The periods of Reconstruction (1865–1877) and the Progressive Era (1890–1930) were both critical to shaping the future of the United States. After the Civil War, Reconstruction sought to rebuild the South, address the rights of African Americans, and restore the Union. The Progressive Era, following the rise of industrialization, focused on addressing social issues, improving working conditions, and reducing political corruption.

Prompt:

To what extent did the policies and outcomes of Reconstruction and the Progressive Era influence the development of modern America? In your essay, compare and contrast how both periods addressed social, political, and economic issues. Consider their successes, limitations, and long-term impacts. Which period had a greater influence on the development of modern America?

Use evidence from the provided reading passages about each period to support your argument.



Reading Passages:
Passage 1: Reconstruction (1865-1877)
After the Civil War, the United States faced the immense challenge of rebuilding the South and integrating formerly enslaved African Americans into society. The federal government passed several important laws and constitutional amendments during Reconstruction, including the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, the 14th Amendment, which granted citizenship to African Americans, and the 15th Amendment, which gave African American men the right to vote.

Despite these achievements, Reconstruction faced significant resistance in the South, where many states enacted Black Codes to restrict the rights of African Americans. When Reconstruction ended in 1877, these laws were replaced by Jim Crow segregation laws, which lasted for nearly 100 years. The federal government’s efforts to rebuild the South were cut short, leaving many of the goals of Reconstruction unfulfilled. However, the amendments passed during this period laid the groundwork for future civil rights movements.

Passage 2: The Progressive Era (1890-1930)
The Progressive Era arose in response to the problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption. Reformers sought to address issues such as poor working conditions, child labor, and the power of large corporations. The movement included a variety of groups, including labor unions, women's suffrage advocates, and social reformers.

During the Progressive Era, important laws were passed to improve social and economic conditions. The 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, was one of the era's most significant achievements. Workers gained better protections through labor laws that improved working conditions and regulated child labor. The Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act ensured the safety of food and drugs. Politically, Progressive reforms aimed at reducing corruption, such as the direct election of senators through the 17th Amendment. While the Progressive Era made significant advances, many racial issues, particularly in the South, were largely ignored, and segregation persisted.



Writing Guidelines:
Introduction:


Provide an overview of the Reconstruction and Progressive Eras.

State your thesis clearly, answering the question: Which period, Reconstruction or the Progressive Era, had a greater influence on the development of modern America?

Body Paragraphs:


Paragraph 1: Compare the social impacts of the two periods. How did each period address the rights and conditions of marginalized groups, such as African Americans and women? Which period had more success in achieving social justice?

Paragraph 2: Contrast the political changes. How did Reconstruction affect the political landscape of the South and the rights of African Americans? What reforms did the Progressive Era introduce to address political corruption and expand democracy?

Paragraph 3: Compare the economic impacts. How did Reconstruction affect the Southern economy? How did the Progressive Era attempt to regulate big businesses, improve working conditions, and address the challenges of industrialization?

Conclusion:


Summarize your key points.

Restate your thesis and reflect on the lasting impact of both periods on modern America. Which era do you think had a greater, more lasting influence?



Assessment Criteria:
Argument: Is there a clear thesis that answers the prompt, comparing the two periods effectively?

Evidence: Does the essay include specific evidence from both reading passages to support the argument?

Organization: Are the ideas clearly organized and easy to follow?

Analysis: Does the essay compare and contrast the social, political, and economic impacts of both periods in a thoughtful way?

Conclusion: Does the essay summarize key points and provide a strong closing reflection on the importance of these historical periods?



This writing prompt asks students to analyze and compare two major historical periods—Reconstruction and the Progressive Era—using evidence from the provided passages. It encourages students to compose an argument, supporting their views with clear reasoning and historical evidence, in line with 8.W.1.S (argument writing) and H.4 (understanding historical periods and change over time).

Answer 1

Essay: The Impact of Reconstruction and the Progressive Era on Modern America

The periods of Reconstruction (1865–1877) and the Progressive Era (1890–1930) represent two transformative epochs in American history that collectively shaped the social, political, and economic landscape of modern America. Reconstruction sought to address the devastation of the Civil War by rebuilding the South and ensuring rights for newly freed African Americans. Conversely, the Progressive Era emerged in response to the challenges posed by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption, advocating for social reforms and the empowerment of marginalized groups, including women. While both periods made significant contributions to American progress, the Progressive Era had a greater and more lasting influence on the development of modern America due to its comprehensive reforms, which paved the way for widespread social justice and political reform.

The social impacts of Reconstruction and the Progressive Era provide a stark contrast in their approaches to marginalized groups. During Reconstruction, notable achievements included the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which sought to abolish slavery, grant citizenship to African Americans, and protect their voting rights, respectively. Despite these successes, the period faced intense backlash from Southern states, leading to the implementation of Black Codes that sought to restrict rights for African Americans and laying the groundwork for Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation for decades. In contrast, the Progressive Era significantly advanced women’s rights, culminating in the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Additionally, the Progressive reformers tackled issues like child labor and labor rights, representing a broader effort to improve conditions for all marginalized groups. While Reconstruction laid essential groundwork for civil rights, the Progressive Era was more successful in achieving tangible social justice.

Politically, both eras sought to implement profound changes, yet they approached the task differently. Reconstruction aimed to reshape the political landscape of the South by incorporating African Americans into the political system. However, the withdrawal of federal troops and the ending of Reconstruction led to the disenfranchisement of African Americans and the establishment of a governance system characterized by racial oppression. On the other hand, the Progressive Era introduced significant political reforms that aimed at curbing corruption and expanding democracy. The direct election of senators established through the 17th Amendment reduced the influence of corporate interests in politics, while initiatives and referendums empowered ordinary citizens in the legislative process. Ultimately, the Progressive Era’s focus on expanding democratic participation represented a shift towards a more inclusive political landscape compared to the ephemeral successes of Reconstruction.

Economically, both periods had profound but different impacts on American society. The Reconstruction era sought to revive the Southern economy after the Civil War, but it struggled significantly due to the rise of sharecropping and economic dependency that continued to disadvantage African Americans. In contrast, the Progressive Era addressed the challenges of industrialization head-on, implementing regulations to curb the excesses of big business through antitrust laws and workplace safety regulations. Labor reforms improved working conditions, reduced child labor, and enhanced wages for workers, contributing to the rise of a more equitable economy. By addressing the evils of industrial capitalism and advocating for greater economic reform, the Progressive Era laid the framework for the modern welfare state and labor rights that continue to evolve in contemporary America.

In conclusion, while both Reconstruction and the Progressive Era significantly influenced American history, the Progressive Era's comprehensive reforms produced a more lasting impact on modern America. The social justice initiatives, political reforms, and economic regulations established during this time created a foundation for the rights and protections experienced by many today. Although Reconstruction was pivotal in laying the groundwork for civil rights, its achievements were largely undermined by systemic resistance and regression. Thus, the Progressive Era stands out as the period that catalyzed substantial change, leading to greater social equity, democratic participation, and economic justice that continue to shape the American landscape.