What are the THREE biggest questions the nation must answer in the Reconstruction Era and how will they be addressed?

 Unfortunately, due to the ambiguity of "the nation" and the vast differences in opinion regarding the specifics of the Reconstruction Era (1865-1877), it's impossible to pinpoint the three absolute biggest questions the nation faced during that time. However, I can highlight some of the most significant and contested issues addressed during Reconstruction, along with potential approaches for each:

1. The Status and Rights of Formerly Enslaved People:

• Should formerly enslaved people have full citizenship and equal rights, including voting rights and land ownership?
• Approaches: The Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments granted citizenship and voting rights to Black men, but enforcement was uneven and faced resistance from white Southerners. Land redistribution efforts like "40 acres and a mule" were largely abandoned. Reconstruction aimed for full equality, but its legacy left deep inequality and discrimination that persists today.

2. Reintegration of the Southern States into the Union:

• How should the formerly Confederate states be readmitted to the Union, and what conditions should be placed upon them?
• Approaches: Reconstruction plans varied, with Lincoln's being lenient and favoring quick reintegration, while Radical Republicans pushed for harsher terms and guarantees of Black rights. Ultimately, compromises were made, but resentment and resistance in the South fueled challenges to Reconstruction efforts.

3. The Role of the Federal Government in Shaping National Society:

• To what extent should the federal government be involved in regulating social and economic life, especially in the South?
• Approaches: Reconstruction saw increased federal intervention, with measures like the Freedmen's Bureau and military rule. This clashed with ideals of states' rights and fueled arguments about federal overreach. The debate continues today with issues like voting rights and economic regulation.

Additional Considerations:

• These are just some key questions, and many others remained unresolved, including reparations, economic development, and racial reconciliation.
• The answers to these questions were highly contested, often involving violence and political conflict.
• The legacy of Reconstruction is complex and still debated, with lasting impacts on American society and race relations.

It's important to remember that the Reconstruction Era was a multifaceted and contested period with varied perspectives. Understanding the complexity of the questions faced and the diverse approaches taken provides a richer understanding of its historical significance and enduring relevance.