FINAL HANDOUT

Its time for us to combine all the information from the three periods and construct a final evaluation to close the project.

1. During the three periods, did Newcomb’s beliefs and value systems change or did he try to accommodate changing times for personal motives? Consider his relationship with Southern Democrats, Conservative Republicans, and African Americans. In evaluating Newcomb, we are exposed to some of the issues that divided the Republican Party during the years in question. His personal issues reflect what was taking place with the Republicans in San Antonio and Texas.

2. How did the beliefs of African Americans appear to develop over these same periods? What could have influenced their attitudes? Were they given a chance to join the political process by seeking high government office?

3. Did a group or groups try to control the African American votes? Remember the charts and the results of the elections of 1969 and 1873. Something dynamic happened in each election to influence the results.

4. Newcomb underwent alterations in his sentiment towards certain events and groups. This project documents two different occurrences when something negative happened to Newcomb and both times he responded in similar fashion. We see the evidence of the first time when he returns to Texas. The next time we see evidence of a direct reaction to a group is in the letters and articles in the 1880s and 90s. Can you determine what these two negative events were and what was his reaction towards those who he felt responsible?

5. Considering what you have determined, do you believe that Newcomb was representative of many ex-Unionists who returned to Texas and became Radicals? You must evaluate Newcomb’s motives and personal feelings. You will have to draw some inferences to arrive at a resolution to this question. Clues lie in the letters and words of those around him as well as his words and editorials.\

6. How successful do you think the Radical Reconstruction was in the long run? Considering what the national government (Congress) hoped to achieve, were the radicals successful? Consider the divisions that existed with the Republican Party. Could it have been successful? In your opinion, how could they have done a better job? Would they have had to change how they dealt with others within the party?

You now have reached the point where we need to sum up the information and bring it to a close. Go to the final step in the Intro. RETURN TO INTRO