The Politics of Reconstruction

Lincoln’s Plan Ease Southern states back into the Union 10 % plan- If 10% percentage of voters took an oath to the Union they would be given amnesty and allowed back into the Union All Southern states must recognize the ban on slavery. Assassinated April 14, 1865 (4 days after surrender at Appomattox)

Johnson’s Plan Followed Lincoln’s approach Appointed temporary governors to help Southern states rebuild If states re- pledged loyalty to union, withdrew succession, and ratify 13th Amendment, they could then re-write their state constitution and elect new member to Congress. Did NOT want to extend greater voting rights to African Americans

Congressional Plan Wanted more repercussions for the South Disagreed with Johnson on the issue of Reconstruction Felt Congress should have a greater say in reconstruction

Radical Reconstruction Wanted to “punish” former CSA Refused to recognize representatives from the South Did not accept the states back into the Union.

Reconstruction Amendments 13th, 14th, 15th Documents

Civil War Amendments 13th Amendment- Abolished involuntary servitude (slavery) December 6, 1865 14th Amendment- The amendment requires states to provide equal protection under the law to all persons 15th Amendment - prohibits each government in the United States to prevent a citizen from voting based on that citizen's race, color, or previous condition of servitude

What stopped African Americans from voting? Poll Tax  Forced people a tax to vote Literacy Test  Had to pass a reading/writing test to be allowed to vote Grandfather Clause  Any male could vote if their grandfather was a registered voter on January 1, 1867.

“Black Codes” Efforts to restrict African American Lives Couldn’t carry weapons, serve on juries, testify against whites, marry whites, travel without permits, etc. Some states African Americans couldn’t own land. Johnson vetoed Freedman's Bureau Act, and the Civil Rights act- both of which sought to assist African Americans This infuriated many Republicans, and former slaves

Freedman’s Bureau Established to help former slaves and some white southerners. Establish hospitals, register voters, find jobs Protect civil rights of African-Americans

Ku Klux Klan Keep African-Americans from voting Torture “carpetbaggers” to leave the south Used violence to scare victims

Impeachment of Johnson Congress was able to override his vetoes. Passed “Tenure of Office Act”, required Senate approval before president could fire any appointed official.- (this was an effort of the Republican lead Congress to protect their ally Stanton) Johnson fired Stanton- Secretary of War House impeached Johnson, senate failed by ONE vote.

Carpetbaggers Northerners who went south looking for opportunity. Teachers or school administrators to educate freedmen. Held political offices (some took advantage)

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Booker T. Washington Son of a slave Organized a school for training Native Americans “Compromise Speech”  Urged blacks to accept inferior position and strive to raise themselves through vocational training

W.E.B. DuBois Born free Disagreed with Booker T. Washington’s views Believed the advancement of blacks would come through a socialist government. Encouraged forceful advancement.