End of the War and Reconstruction

Results of the War Most devastating conflict in American history 600,000 soldiers died Billions of dollars in damage Bitter feelings among defeated Southerners that lasted for generations Saved the Union Federal government was strengthened, and now clearly more powerful than the states Freed African Americans

Questions for Reconstruction How do we bring the South back into the Union? How do we rebuild the South after its destruction? What branch of government should control the Reconstruction process? How do we integrate and protect newly-emancipated black freedman?

13th Amendment (Jan 1865) Ends “involuntary servitude”

Freedman’s Bureau Congress and Lincoln establish this new agency to help former enslaved persons Actually considered to be part of the army Played important part in helping A.A. make the transition to freedom Distributed food/clothing and provided medical services that lowered death rate among A.A. men and women Established schools and universities

Three Plans for Reconstruction

A Rival Plan A group of Republicans in Congress, led by Thaddeus Stevens felt Lincoln’s plan was too mild.

Radical Republicans Southern states “must be broken up and relaid, or all our blood and treasure have been spent in vain.” Congress voted to deny seats to representatives from any state reconstructed under Lincoln’s Plan. Then Congress began to create its own plan.

Radical Republicans Passed Wade-Davis Bill 50% of white males in the state had to swear loyalty to the Union A state constitutional convention could be held, but only white males who swore they hadn’t taken up arms against the Union could vote at this convention Former Confederates were also denied the right to hold public office Convention had to adopt a new state constitution that abolished slavery

Lincoln Assassinated! April 14, 1865

Johnson Takes Office Former Democratic Senator from TN Only Southern senator to support Union during C.W. Resented slaveholders who dominated the South and wished to punish them. As a result Radicals thought he would create a harsh plan they could accept Instead he believed in giving the states control over many decisions and he had no desire to help African Americans/

“Restoration” – Johnson’s Plan Most Southerners would be granted amnesty once they swore oath of loyalty to the Union High ranking officials/military leaders could be pardoned by applying personally to the President Appointed governors of Southern states and required them to hold elections for state constitutional conventions. Only whites who had sworn loyalty and were pardoned could vote. Reentry required a state to denounce slavery and abolish slavery and ratify the 13th Amendment.

Radicals in Control During the Fall 1865, the southern states followed Johnson’s plan but when the newly elected representatives arrived in Washington D.C., Congress refused to sit them. Radical Republicans felt Johnson’s plan was too easy and rejected the idea that Reconstruction was complete.

African American Rights Black Codes – Laws passed in the south to control freed men and women and to enable plantation owners to exploit A.A. workers Trampled rights of A.A. and allowed officials to arrest and fine unemployed A.A. and make them work for white employers to pay their fines. Prevented A.A. from owning land or farms and allowed whites to adopt black orphaned children as unpaid apprentices Reestablished slavery in disguise

Fighting the Black Codes Congress gave the Freedman's Bureau the power to set up courts and prosecute individuals who violated the rights of A.A. Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1866 Overturned Black Codes Granted full citizenship to A.A. Johnson vetoed the Freedman’s Bureau bill and Civil Rights Act arguing that Congress was overstepping it’s authority. Unconstitutional, because they were passed by a Congress that didn’t include representatives from all of the states. Republicans overrode the veto to defeat it.

14th Amendment - 1868 Congress wanted to ensure A.A. would not lose rights granted in Civil Rights Act, fearing it may be overturned in the Supreme Court Established 14th Amendment that states no one could take away a citizen’s life, liberty and process without due process of law. Congress declared Southern states had to ratify the Amendment to be readmitted to the Union. Only Tennessee ratified the Amendment before 1868

Radical Reconstruction Congress took charge of Reconstruction once it had a majority in both houses. Johnson couldn’t stop them since they had enough votes to override his vetoes. Overwhelming majority in both the Senate and House

Comparing Congress 1867 2012 Senate House Senate House 8-9 D, 45-55 R R control 85% House 45 D, 142-172 R R control 78.6% Senate 53 D, 45 R D control 55% House 200 D, 232 R R control 53%

Johnson vs. Congress Opposed to Radical Reconstruction, Johnson fought with Congress and Congress passed the Tenure of Office Act Johnson suspended a cabinet member without Congress’s approval and when the Senate refused to approve the suspension, Johnson removed Stanton from office. The House voted to impeach Johnson for abusing his power and sent the case to the Senate for trial. 35-19 – 1 vote shy of removal of office

15th Amendment - 1870 Cannot be denied the right to vote because of race, color, or previous condition of servitude

South During Reconstruction A.A. contributed to Republican victories 1869 – 1880 – 2 A.A. in Senate, 16 in House Scalawags Carpetbaggers KKK

End of Reconstruction Rutherford B. Hayes elected President in 1876. (Dem regain control) “your rights and interests would be safer if this great mass of intelligent white men were left alone by the general government.” Success/Failure Helped South Recover but still far from complete. South still very poor. African Americans gained greater equality, but this did not last long. Segregation

Change in the South Economy “New South” Voting Restrictions