To what extent did the lives of African Americans Improve from 1865-1912?

Firstly, I would stress the fact that when approaching A level exam questions, it is important to think about the question thematically or in factors in order to write a good essay as an answer. With regards to this question, approaching it in terms of social economic and political themes will enable a good A/A*level essay. Finally the student must decide on His/Her argument before starting the question, and then making sure the evidence included in the essay actively supports their argument throughout. For instance, if a student was arguing that the lives of African Americans did not improve to a large extent, the set up of the essay could be framed like this. In terms of social factors, one might consider the quality of education available after the emancipation proclaimation and the subsequent rise of the KKK. Economically, the wages of sharecroppers and land ownership is crucial and further, the pay gap between African Americans and their white counterparts. Finally in political terms, the introduction and impact of Jim Crow laws in the american South will be essential. All of the evidence above supports the notion that the lives of African Americans did not vastly improve.