Reconstruction in the Big Easy: The Changing Interpretations of the Role of Race during Reconstruction in New Orleans

This historiography essay was the final assignment of my ASI 120 (Core Program) course at the University of Dayton. In preparation for the paper, I read A Short History of Reconstruction, 1863-1877 by Eric Foner. After reading and reflecting on Foner’s book, I decided I wanted to focus my topic on Reconstruction in New Orleans, with specific emphasis on racial issues and the New Orleans Riot. I chose this topic because it allowed me to further research a topic relating to social justice with respect to race relations, something I am very passionate about. I spent a great deal of time finding appropriate sources for my paper at the UD Library. Once my sources were approved by my professor, I created my annotated bibliography and devised a rough draft for my final paper. In class, we did peer reviews of each other’s rough drafts. I also visited the Write Place and the Core Fellows for additional feedback. With the suggestions of all these people in mind, I read, revised, and re-read my rough draft many times until I achieved the final draft of my historiography paper