Radical Reconstruction in New Orleans, 1868–1876

Step into the turbulent aftermath of the Civil War, where the abolition of slavery marked the start of a fierce struggle over property, politics, and personhood. In Louisiana—a wealthy, diverse state shaped by a history of brutal enslavement and devastating war—former Confederates pushed to restore white supremacy through violence and new systems of control. Meanwhile, the US Congress enforced military occupation and passed the Fourteenth Amendment to protect the rights of formerly enslaved people. Set in the vibrant and volatile city of New Orleans, this game puts students in the shoes of Black freedpeople, French-speaking Creoles, white Unionists, German immigrants, and Northern transplants (carpetbaggers), all grappling with the challenges of rebuilding society.

Students face tough choices on civil rights, suffrage, education, religion, and political power amid corruption, economic instability, and violent white supremacist resistance. Will you compromise, fight, or build coalitions? As students navigate this complex landscape, they'll discover how democracy can be both rebuilt and broken at the local level—and what it truly takes to advance justice and equality in the face of fierce opposition.