Texas and Reconstruction

What is Reconstruction? The period after the end of the Civil War during which Southern states were brought back into the Union. Much of the South lay in ruins, though Texas had been largely spared. African Americans were free, but many were w/out food or shelter, and the differences b/w the N & S remained.

What is Juneteenth? On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, Gen. Gordon Granger landed in Galveston and announced that all slaves were free. The day African Americans received freedom was called Juneteenth, and it became a great day of celebration.

Two Presidential Plans Lincoln had wanted a moderate policy of Reconstruction. New President Andrew Johnson set up a provisional government in each Southern state and appointed officers until the state is readmitted to the Union. To be readmitted to the Union, each Southern state had to abolish slavery and nullify its ordinance of secession.

The Freedmen’s Bureau Operated for 5 years, helping find jobs for freed Texans and issuing food and clothing to the sick, aged, and poor. It established the first public schools in Texas for African American children. Many white Texans accused the bureau of meddling in local matters, wasting taxpayers’ money, and strengthening the Republican Party.

Government Restored in 1866 Delegates met in Austin to write a new state constitution, which states: Made secession illegal Abolished slavery Canceled state war debts Gave blacks certain legal rights (voting not one)

People Moving Ports and roads in Texas filled with travelers during Reconstruction. Travelers came to Texans in search of a better life. Freedmen had ability to travel in search of loved one Radical Confederates emigrated out of the state.

Texas Elects Ex-Confederates to Office Southerners elected many Ex-Confederate officials and soldiers to top positions in state government and to the U.S. Congress. The Texas legislatures refused to ratify the 13th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Southern states also restricted the rights of African Americans with “black codes”—they were not allowed to vote, testify against or marry whites, or serve on juries. African American men who were arrested for vagrancy due to unemployment http://history.sandiego.edu/gen/civilwar/16/reconstruction1.html

Radical Republicans Take Charge Radical Republicans pushed a plan to set stricter standards for readmitting Southern states to the Union and that would protect the freedom of African Americans in the South. In the 1866 congressional elections, Radical Republicans gained control of Congress and now had the power to override a presidential veto. President Johnson fought against the Radical program and was charged with misconduct in office. He missed being impeached by one vote.

New Requirements for Statehood In March 1867, Congress divided the South into 5 districts. TX & LA made up 1 district, commanded by Philip Sheridan. Removed James W. Throckmorton as Governor and appointed Elisha M. Pease. Military rule continued until states met these requirements: Ratify the 14th Amendment Ratify the 15th Amendment Repeal the Black Codes Take the Ironclad Oath

Southerners Oppose Reconstruction Most African Americans were pleased at the plan of Reconstruction, but most former Confederates and secessionists thought it too harsh. Southern white supporters of Reconstruction were called scalawags. Northerners who often came to the South for political and economic gain during this period were called carpetbaggers. In Texas and other Southern states, organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan used violence and threats to prevent African Americans from voting.

The “Invisible Empire of the South”

A New State Constitution and Elections In November 1869 Texans who qualified to vote approved a new state constitution and elected a governor and other state officials. The constitution provided that no one should excluded from voting because of race or color. It provided more support for public education, and protected public lands.

A Radical Republican Governor Critics complained that new Governor Edmund J. Davis and the Radical Republicans used their power to restrict the political activities of their opponents. Davis was unpopular, but he and the Republicans started some good projects.

A Democratic Challenge Some Democrats used threats and violence to keep African Americans from voting. In 1873 Richard Coke, a Democrat and ex-Confederate officer, was elected Governor by twice the number of votes that Davis received.