Discussion Questions: "Forever Free," Eric Foner - ch3,4
1) What was the task of General Oliver Howard? How was his message received? Why did the former slaves feel that they had been betrayed? Was the war between blacks and their former owners really over? Explain. (pp76-77, pp92-96
2) How was it evident that blacks had no role to play in Johnson's vision of Reconstruction? Were the rebellious Southerners treated better than the former slaves? Discuss and explain why or why not. (p79)
3) How did blacks and whites define freedom differently and why? How does the collective experience of a people account for the difference in how freedom was/is perceived? (pp 81-86)
4) How was the creation of the Black Church an expression of freedom? Why was the strict practice of the "separation of church and state" never practiced among black religious leaders? (pp87-88)
5) Discuss the difference between the moderate stance and the Radical Republican view of Reconstruction. Why did the moderates eventually flee to the side of the Radicals? How and why did their political position change? (pp 113-114)
6) What was the Civil Rights Bill and what did it represent? Why did Congress enact the 14th Amendment? How was the amendment different than the Civil Rights Act and why did the Republicans deem it necessary? What did the amendment prohibit states from doing? Was it effective in promoting legal equality of man? Why or why not? How does the 14th Amendment explain why marginalized groups look to the federal government for protection? (pp113-122)
7) What were the limitations of the Reconstruction Act of 1867? Why did women compare their status to slavery and feel the need to be liberated from marriage? How were women's perceptions received in regards to the 13th amendment regarding slaves and why? How was the Reconstruction Act a "radical departure" in American history despite its limitations? (pp 123-126)