1860-1870

In January 1870, Homer summarized the major events of the previous decade in this retrospective image. Dominated by scenes of war and conflict, the 1860s also saw the Emancipation Proclamation and the start of civil reconstruction. At bottom right, a schoolteacher contributes to the social progress of the nation by teaching both black and white children in her classroom. The women at center represent the peace and prosperity that Americans hoped the new decade would bring to the country.