The Civil War is now over, our country is still deeply divided and our President has been assassinated. This is where we pick up in our history studies this week, and it is not a time of peace and harmony. The slaves are now free, but hatred is still running rampant. Our country is not unified. Yet, a period of reconstruction is needed and begins under President Andrew Johnson, who stepped into Lincoln's role after his assassination. There were many debates as to how reconstruction would best be conducted. Who would lead in the south? Would a military presence be needed to enforce new laws? And, if so, for how long? Should Congress help to rebuild the south? With new laws? With funding? So many questions, so many opinions and so much confusion! But, as she has in the past, America again proves her resilience. One project that certainly brought unity to our country was the building the Transcontinental Railroad-which joined together the East and West. The Lower Grammar class made train models to celebrate this construction marvel! The Upper Grammar class made pie tin art, as was popular during this time. And, our older kids all had deep discussions and debates about the different plans for reconstruction. The Five in a Row class read the book, "Bear Snores On". In this cute story, Bear continues to sleep as his critter friends scurry through his cave!
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