Social, regional and ethnic divisions: divisions within/between North, South and West; position of African-Americans
After the Civil War, deep divisions split Americans by region, race, and social class. African-Americans faced violent oppression, especially in the South, despite being legally free.
Real World
In 1896, the Supreme Court's ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson legally enshrined racial segregation under 'separate but equal', giving Southern states a judicial stamp of approval for Jim Crow laws that stripped African-Americans of voting rights, public access, and physical safety for the next six decades.
Exam Focus
When asked to 'assess' divisions, argue which was most significant — racial division — and link it to specific evidence like lynching statistics or Black Codes.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
How well did you know this?