In a recent class, students were asked to research a given topic and present that topic to the class for further understanding. This ”EOTO” process included the following topics: Andrew Johnson, John Wilkes Booth, Freedman’s Bureau, Election of 1876, Hiram R. Revels, and the Civil Rights Act of 1875.
During the EOTO for the presidency of Andrew Johnson, the student pointed out the number of things Johnson changed following President Lincoln’s assassination. While Congress wasn’t meeting, Johnson used his power to allow former confederate leaders to hold a place in government.
Because of Johnson’s change, 60+ former confederate leaders were elected and the south used this to create separation. Congress did impeach President Johnson but one vote saved the President from the removal of office. All states did rejoin the union during his presidency.
The student that presented John Wilkes Booth spoke on Booth’s many plans to cause President Lincoln harm. In fact, Booth has a plan to kidnap Lincoln but failed to show up last minute. During the night of Lincoln’s assassination, audience members in the Peterson House thought the deadly act was apart of the place. Quickly, they realized it was not.
The Freedman’s Bureau was founded by President Lincoln in 1965 as a relief for southerners and former slaves in the South. The Bureau quickly lost support, especially as former confederates joined congress following Lincolns death. Before its eventual dismantle by congress, the Freedman’s Bureau built many houses and schools for the poor.
As presented to us, the Election of 1876 was one for the ages. Running mates Rutherford Hayes and Samual Tilden were up against a very odd happening. Tilden received the popular vote while Hayes received the electoral college.
Because of this issue, the compromise of 1877 was created to lay some rules for the election decision. The first was that Hayes would become President. The second was that democrats would respect African American’s. The third was that federal troops were removed from the South. The final was Hayes had to appoint a southern cabinet.
The Civil Rights Act of 1875 was passed to punish African American’s in the South. The act was rarely enforced. It was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
The final presented person was Hiram R. Revels. Revels was the first African American elected to congress. He was a trailblazer for the black community and often fought for civil rights and the rights of minorities.
Overall, this EOTO experience was very educational. I was able to learn a lot more about the topics presented in a faster time. I’m looking forward to our next round of presentations.
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