How free were Americans before and after the War Against Slavery (1861-1865) and the Era of Reconstruction (1868-1877)? A short original essay on the above topic. The essay is required to have 5 distinct elements, which are described below. The essay should be a 4 page essay.

The US Civil War has been described as “the Second American Revolution,” which finally abolished slavery and secured “the blessings of liberty” for all Americans. In your view, how accurate is this assessment? Did the Civil War and Reconstruction secure freedom for all Americans? Why or why not?

Write a short essay setting out your views on this question. Your essay needs to include the following elements, with answers to the following questions:

a) an opening paragraph that “hooks” the reader’s attention and draws them into the essay;

b) a definition of freedom: of what does it consist?

c) a list of the ways in which you think Americans were not free before or after the Civil War, including which Americans were or were not free, in which ways, using at least two contemporary events, trends or witnesses to support your views;

d) a list of the ways in which you think American society and Americans were free before or after the Civil War, including, again, which Americans were or were not free, and using at least two contemporary events, trends or witnesses that support your views; and,

e) a closing paragraph (or more, as necessary), consider(s) the merit of these two contrasting viewpoints and spells out their moral, or the most important lesson.