To what extent did economic factors, national identity, and the federal government maintain continuity and foster change in the lives of
African Americans from 1789-1877?
Do you want to write two or three books on this topic? Pay attention to the fact of slavery, then the Civil War and Reconstruction. Read lots:
http://www.bing.com/search?q=Reconstruction+era+-+1865-1877&FORM=EDGNNC