Reconstruction Reconstruction: (1865-1877) The period during which the U.S. began to rebuild after the Civil War

Lincoln’s Plan for Reconstruction Favored a lenient Reconstruction policy Felt that states had never actually seceded (because it is unconstitutional), but rather individuals had, and President can pardon indiv. Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction (Ten-Percent Plan) - 1863 Pardon Confederates (other than high-ranking officials and those who committed crimes against POWs) Once 10% of a state had sworn allegiance to Union and to obey Union laws, the state could form a new state government and send representatives to Congress

Radical Republican’s Plan Radical Republicans (led by Thadeus Stevens) favored abolition and wanted to take power away from former slaveholders and ensure African American rights (full citizenship and voting) Wade-Davis Bill (1864) stated that Congress, not the President, would be responsible for Reconstruction and that a majority of citizens would have to swear allegiance Lincoln used the Pocket Veto Congress outraged – sets stage for confrontation process

Andrew Johnson’s Plan for Reconstruction Similar to Lincoln’s Called Presidential Reconstruction Declare secession illegal Swear allegiance to Union Ratify the Thirteenth Amendment Upset Radical Republicans – no provisions to protect rights of African Amer. Remaining states quickly agreed to terms and by Dec. 1865 – newly elected Southern representatives arrived in Washington but Congress refused to seat them

LEGISLATION PROVISIONS Freedman’s Bureau Acts (1865-66) Offered assistance, such as medical aid and education to freed slaves and war refugees Civil Rights Act of 1866 Granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to African Americans Reconstruction Act of 1867 (Starts Reconstruction again) Johnson Impeached by Congress in March 1868 Abolished governments formed in Confederate states, Divided those states into five military districts, Set up requirements for readmission to the Union Enforcement Act of 1870 Protected voting rights of AA and gave federal govt. power to enforce the Fifteenth Amendment Civil Rights Act of 1875 Outlawed racial segregation in public places, Assured the right of AA to serve as jurors

Also see map pg. 354 of text.

“Reconstructing the South” What do you notice? How is it representative of the Reconstruction process?

Reconstruction Video