Overview of the Lesson

In this lesson, you will analyze primary sources that provide insight into the reasons behind increased westward migration for all settlers, both White and Black, as well as reasons specific to African Americans. You will explore the events that led to the rise and fall of Nicodemus, Kansas, one of the most famous African American agricultural communities of the time; consider the state of African American farmers today; and recognize current efforts to preserve the memory of Nicodemus. At the end of the lesson, you will construct a written response to the essential question:

Essential Question

How did African Americans take advantage of westward expansion to obtain freedom denied to them during Reconstruction?