Argument Writing Prompt:

Question

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) were pivotal in shaping the social, political, and economic landscape of modern America. Reconstruction emerged from the aftermath of the Civil War, focusing on rebuilding the nation and securing rights for African Americans. In contrast, the Progressive Era addressed the challenges of industrialization and urbanization, aiming to correct social injustices and political corruption. While both eras contributed significantly to modern America, the Progressive Era had a greater and more lasting impact on the nation's development due to its broader scope in addressing systemic issues, fostering social reforms, and instituting political changes.

Socially, both eras sought to uplift marginalized groups but with differing degrees of success. The Reconstruction Era marked a significant advancement for African Americans, as pivotal amendments like the 13th, 14th, and 15th guaranteed freedom, citizenship, and voting rights, respectively. However, the era also faced fierce backlash, with Southern states implementing Black Codes and Jim Crow laws that undermined these reforms, perpetuating racial discrimination for decades. In contrast, the Progressive Era made monumental strides for women through the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote, thereby instituting a more equitable society. Additionally, labor reforms arose to improve conditions for workers, including child labor laws and workplace safety regulations. Therefore, while Reconstruction provided initial legal rights for African Americans, the Progressive Era's successful advocacy for women's suffrage and labor rights arguably delivered more significant social advancements that continue to influence modern social movements.

Politically, Reconstruction fundamentally altered the landscape of the South and African Americans’ rights. It introduced new power dynamics, fostering a brief period of African American political participation that included elected officials. However, this progress was mostly nullified by the end of Reconstruction in 1877, when federal interventions ceased, leading to the rise of Jim Crow laws and a systematic disenfranchisement of Black voters. Conversely, the Progressive Era instituted relevant political reforms aimed at combating corruption and enhancing democratic participation. This included the direct election of senators through the 17th Amendment, which made political power more accessible to the public rather than the elite. The establishment of mechanisms such as referendums and initiatives empowered citizens to influence legislation directly. Thus, the political enhancements sparked by the Progressive Era had a far-reaching effect, ushering in a more democratic governance structure that resonates within contemporary politics.

Economically, the repercussions of both eras shaped the future of American society significantly but in contrasting contexts. During Reconstruction, the Southern economy faced dire challenges due to the destruction from the Civil War and the shift from a slave-based economy to one that demanded new forms of labor. Reconstruction policies aimed to integrate freed slaves into the economy and revive the region's agricultural base. However, these strategies were met with limited success, leading to persistent poverty and economic instability in the South. The Progressive Era sought to address economic disparities caused by industrialization, focusing on regulating monopolistic corporations and improving labor conditions. Significant legislation like the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act reflected a dedication to consumer protection and safety. Furthermore, the Progressive Reformers’ drive to curb corporate power and improve the working conditions for the labor class laid the groundwork for modern labor rights and consumer protections.

In conclusion, while both the Reconstruction and Progressive Eras were critical in shaping modern America, the Progressive Era had a more profound and lasting influence on society. The Progressive Era's emphasis on social justice, political accountability, and economic reform transcended the immediate changes brought by Reconstruction. It established frameworks for addressing systemic inequalities and fostering broader democratic engagement that resonate today. Therefore, the enduring impact of the Progressive Era is evident in ongoing movements for civil rights, labor rights, and political reform, solidifying its place as a cornerstone in the development of modern America.