Introduction to Reconstruction

America Faces New Challenges Read the information provided. Then complete the following graphic organizer: Former Slaves Independent Farmers Free but did not have rights – vote, hold public office, or be part of a jury More factories and stores, people work others, not themselves Explain the challenges faced by each group of Americans after the Civil War Southern Soldiers Northern Soldiers Finding a job was difficult, millions of soldiers looking for work Many injured, all owned was lost, no law enforcement to stop robbing and stealing

Republicans – Wade-Davis Bill Reconstruction Plans Lincoln – 10% Plan Republicans – Wade-Davis Bill Johnson -form a new state when 10% of voters in South take oath of loyalty -adopt new Constitution banning slavery -send representative to Congress -majority of white male adults have to pledge loyalty to Union -only white males not fought in war can vote for state constitutional convention -all state constitutions had to ban slavery -confederates could not hold public office -amnesty to Southerners who swore loyalty to the union -high ranking confederates had to appeal directly to the president -opposed African American equal rights -Southern states had to ban slavery Punishment would accomplish little and slow the healing Wanted a plan that was harsher on the South than Lincoln’s Humiliate leaders b/c he believed tricked other people in to seceding

What are the similarities of each plan What are the similarities of each plan? loyalty oath, banned slavery, new constitution, rebuilding America What are differences of each plan? number of people swearing loyalty, motivation behind the plan, what actions former confederates had to take Which plan do you think would have the best chance of succeeding? Why?

Reconstruction Wrap-up Homework Assignment: Pretend you are the President of the United States during Reconstruction.  Create a plan for reconstruction.  You can use ideas discussed in class or your own ideas.  Be sure to explain why you are including each aspect in your plan.  Your plan should have at least 3 different components and explanation for each.