Reconstruction

Reconstruction Most of the former Confederacy is in ruins. Texas had very little damage in comparison to the rest of the Confederacy. – Deeply in debt. – Major divisions between Unionists and former Confederates.

Presidential Reconstruction President Lincoln believed that punishing the South for the war would delay healing. – Pardon all Southerners who would swear an oath of loyalty. 10% - Form a new government and return. Lincoln is assassinated and Johnson tries to take up Reconstruction. Three conditions: – Nullify Secession – Acknowledge Union would not pay the debt. – Ratify 13 th amendment (Abolish Slavery) Wealthy and leaders needed special pardon.

Presidential Reconstruction - 2 Johnson appoints Hamilton as Governor. Calls for a Constitutional Convention to quickly get back into the Union. Constitution of 1866 – Met the three criteria. – Stopped short of equal rights. New state government – Refuses to ratify the 13 th and 14 th amendments – Enacts “Black Codes” – Code of law that defined and limited rights of former slaves after the Civil War.

Congressional Reconstruction Congress argues that Congress admits or re- admits states. Texas and other southern states nominate old Confederate leaders to Congress and Congress refuses to seat them. Radical Republicans come to power. – “Punish and change the South” – Launch their own reconstruction plan.

Congressional Reconstruction 2 Set up military districts to administrate the South. States had to ratify the 14 th amendment (granted citizenship) Texas was required to ratify the 15 th amendment (right to vote) KKK, Scalawags and Carpetbaggers

Congressional Reconstruction - 3 New Constitution of 1869 – No one prevented to vote because of race or color – Strengthened Governor’s role – Strengthened Public Education – Protected public lands. – Ratified 13th, 14 th and 15th amendments Texas re-admitted to the Union on March 30, 1870 by President Grant.

Key Amendments 13 th Amendment – Outlawed Slavery "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.“ 14 th Amendment - Citizenship Granted citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States,” 15 th Amendment – Right to Vote "right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude."

End of Reconstruction Many Southerners feel like Reconstruction will not be over until Radical Republicans are out of office in Texas and other state’s government. In 1872, Democrats win a majority of state legislature. Richard Coke wins a contested election for Governor and takes over. Democrats will control Texas state government for the next 100 years.