After the Civil War ended in April 1865, the country needed to rebuild itself. Yet putting the country back together was not a simple task: Too much blood had been shed and too much hatred lingered between the North and the South. Many questions remained: How could the loyalty of former Confederates be assured? What would become of the thousands of freed slaves? Though President Abraham Lincoln had prepared plans for the restoration of the country, he was assassinated before he could begin them.

Rebuilding a Nation: Picking Up the Pieces tells the story of a period of great change for the United States. Discover the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson and its roots in his disagreements with Congress about Reconstruction. Explore the three constitutional amendments that became law during this period, giving all Americans new rights. Meet the African American men who were elected during Reconstruction, as well as Booker T. Washington, who, as a freedman, was able to realize his dreams of getting an education.