After the Civil War, the United States had to wrestle with freedom of the slaves and how the freed people would be integrated into American political, social and cultural life. In the South in particular legislators had to deal with how implement a new wage economy. This essay explores the changes in the United States from 1865-1900.You have already developed a thesis statement and developed an outline in which you identify three main points relevant to your topic. Now you will develop the final paper in which you explore your main points in detail.

2. Write a one to two (3-5) page essay in which you:
a.List three (3) ways in which white southerners made the exercise of freedom difficult for former slaves following the end of the Civil War
a.List three (3) ways in which freed people challenged white southerners’ efforts to keep them in a slave status following the end of the Civil War
b.Describe three (3) ways in which the end of Reconstruction left former slaves (and other groups) vulnerable to discrimination and second class citizenship. Note: Be sure to talk about at least two (2) pieces of legislation at the local, state, and/or federal levels during the nineteenth century that solidified the second class status of African Americans and other non-white Americans.
c.Use at least three (3) academic references besides or in addition to the textbook. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
•Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA style or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
•Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
•Identify and discuss the different ways that the heritage of slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and segregation have shaped America’s history.
•Summarize and discuss the ways that formal policies of government have influenced the direction of historical and social development in the United States.
•Recognize the major turning points in American history since the Civil War.
•Use technology and information resources to research issues in contemporary U.S. history.
•Write clearly and concisely about contemporary U.S. history using proper writing mechanics.