TEXAS HISTORY TEXAS IN THE UNION 1865-1877

OBJECTIVES Describe the Reconstruction period in Texas. 1 OBJECTIVES Describe the Reconstruction period in Texas. Explain the social effects of Reconstruction. Analyze Andrew Johnson’s plan for Reconstruction.

Presidential Reconstruction Section 1 After the war... Confederates surrender Texans uncertain about future Texans lost brothers, sons, and fathers Confederates had to change (reconstruct) their way of life to be allowed to rejoin the Union.

Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. January 1, 1863 Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Called for ALL slaves in U.S. to be set Free !! Texans ignored this because they said they weren’t “in” the Union (U.S.) As news of emancipation spread, about 250,000 Texan slaves were freed

Freed Slaves For many freedmen (a person who has been freed from slavery) life was not easy. Many didn’t have jobs. Many didn’t have homes. Some looked for long-lost relatives. Some established communities called “Freedtowns”. Some traveled to the city searching for work. Some remained on the plantation working for wages or a portion of the crop.

Freedmen’s Bureau created schools for African American children. Group created by the U.S. Congress to help former slaves adapt to freedom. They provided: food shelter medicine job hunting assistance Freedmen’s Bureau created schools for African American children. Many Freedmen Bureau agents were killed and others wounded as they worked to protect the rights of former slaves. Freedmen’s Bureau agents had a difficult time carrying out their duties due to: ~the size of Texas ~poor transportation ~white Texans opposition

Johnson’s Plan for Reconstruction Andrew Johnson became president when Lincoln was assassinated. Johnson’s Plan for Reconstruction included: states had to end slavery states had to declare that their secession was illegal states had to cancel all war debts to get back the right to vote, white males had to pledge loyalty to the U.S. photo from:http://www.americaslibrary.gov/assets/jb/nation/jb_nation_johnson_1_e.jpg

civil rights – rights belonging to ALL citizens Constitution of 1866 James W. Throckmorton led the convention where the delegates changed much of the Texas Constitution back to the way it was prior to secession. Texas: canceled state debts from the war. Ended slavery REFUSED to ratify the 13th Amendment, which made slavery illegal DENIED civil rights, including the right for African Americans to vote. civil rights – rights belonging to ALL citizens

amendments – a change made to a law, bill, or document Constitution of 1866 The Constitution of 1866 was actually a series of amendments to the Constitution of 1845. Two months after the Constitution of 1866 was approved by popular vote in June, President Johnson of the U.S. agreed to accept Texas back into the Union. amendments – a change made to a law, bill, or document

Texas’s New Government The new state government made several controversial decisions: Enacted “Black Codes”. African Americans were second class citizens. They could not marry whites. They could not hold public office, vote, or serve on a jury.

Even though Texas agreed to abide by the laws of the Union, the background and belief of the new representatives did not support the nation’s goal for Reconstruction. The U.S. Congress reacts to this…

The Reaction of Congress Although President Johnson agreed to let Texas back into the Union, Congress did not. Many felt that Texas was not reconstructed. The “Black Codes” convinced the Republicans that Texas could not be trusted to deal fairly with African Americans.

A group called the “Radical Republicans” led by Thaddeous Stevens believed that Congress should redirect Reconstruction. The Radical Republicans saw Reconstruction as a way to punish the Southerners. Congress and President Johnson did not agree. President Johnson vetoed bills passed by the Congress. For now, the U.S. refused to admit Texas into the Union. vetoed – refusal by a head of government to sign a bill passed by the legislature

1 MAIN IDEA When the Civil War ended, Texas and the other Southern states had to meet certain requirements to rejoin the Union. WHY IT MATTERS NOW The effects of Reconstruction would have an impact on Texans of all races for more than 100 years.

2 OBJECTIVES Explain how congressional Reconstruction differed from presidential Reconstruction. Analyze the political effects of Reconstruction in Texas. Describe Texans’ reactions to congressional Reconstruction.

Many Texans resisted all that was required of them for Reconstruction Many Texans resisted all that was required of them for Reconstruction. Others believed that they should do whatever it takes to rejoin the Union as quickly as possible.

Congress Gains Control The Radical Republicans had enough votes to override President Johnson’s veto. Congress drew up a more detailed plan for Reconstruction than President Johnson’s. Their plan focused on limiting the role of former Confederate leaders and protecting the civil rights of African Americans.

The Republicans’ Plan 14th Amendment granted citizenship to former slaves addressed the issue of Black Codes and equality of all African Americans kept people who had served in the Confederacy from holding political office Texans found the terms in the 14th Amendment hard to accept. Texans refused to ratify the amendment so Congress continued to keep Texas outside the Union.

The Congressional Plan Congress was angered by Texas and the other Confederate states refusing to ratify the 14th Amendment. The Radical Republicans took a firmer stand by passing the Reconstruction Act of 1867. This act put Southern states (excluding Tennessee) under military rule. This act divided the ten states into five military districts. districts – part of a state or other area marked off for a special purpose

FIVE MILITARY DISTRICTS

The Congressional Plan One duty of the military groups was to register Texans who would vote for delegates to the new constitutional convention. They were told to register ONLY those who were LOYAL to the Union.

The Ku Klux Klan Threatens Voters Many plantation owners and former Confederate soldiers did not want African Americans to have rights. A secret group called the Ku Klux Klan was formed. The goal of this group was to: restore Democratic control of the South keep former slaves powerless

The Ku Klux Klan Threatens Voters The Ku Klux Klan attacked: African Americans, especially those who had become wealthy or owned land white Republicans Victims of the Klan had little or no protection. Despite the Klan’s efforts, nearly 50,000 African American men registered to vote in Texas. (In fact 10 African Americans were elected as delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1868-1869.)

AFRICAN AMERICAN LEGISLATORS

The Constitution of 1869 The Constitutional Convention of 1869 had ONE purpose: writing a new state constitution. The Constitution of 1869: declared the Constitution of the U.S. as law guaranteed the right of all men to vote (regardless of race, color, or former condition) established the foundation for a public school system for ALL children centralized system of law enforcement set the number and length of terms for state government offices. The Constitutional Convention of 1868-1869 was one of the longest and most costly meetings ever.

The Election of Governor Davis In November 1869 elections of officers of the new state government were held. Radical Republicans supported Edmund Davis, while other Republicans and Democrats supported A.J. Hamilton. Both sides were accused of corruption during the election. Davis was named the winner in the end.

The Election of Governor Davis Many Texans claimed that the army had unfairly made sure Davis was elected. Many Texans remained determined to regain control of their state.

2 MAIN IDEA Congress put together a stricter plan for Reconstruction. Republicans took control of Texas and of enforcing Reconstruction. WHY IT MATTERS NOW African Americans were given the right to vote for the first time.

3 OBJECTIVES Identify the major changes made by the Texas legislature in 1870. Explain why some Texans opposed Governor Edmund J. Davis. Describe the provisions of the Constitution of 1876.

Texas Is Readmitted to the Union When Republican Edmund Davis won the race for Governor in 1869, the Radical Republicans gained even more control of Texas. Davis and the legislature ratified the 14th Amendment, which was a requirement from then US Congress for Reconstruction. Texas was readmitted to the Union on March 8, 1870.

Texas Is Readmitted to the Union U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant declared the Reconstruction process over in Texas. Military rule in the South was also brought to an end. Even though Texas was once again part of the U.S., many Texan Democrats would not be satisfied until the Republicans were no longer in power.

martial law – rule by an army instead of the usual civil authorities Davis's Administration Texas’s Governor Davis created a state police force and state militia. Both were under governor’s control. Davis had the authority to declare martial law. This meant Davis could use the militia to settle any civil disturbance. martial law – rule by an army instead of the usual civil authorities

Davis grew more and more unpopular. Davis's Administration Davis grew more and more unpopular. Those who opposed Davis’s administration were called Redeemers. They wanted to redeem, or save, Texas from what they saw as harmful actions by the Radical Republicans. The Redeemers called Davis’s legislative program the “Obnoxious Acts”. They thought that Davis would use militia and the state police against anyone who opposed him.

The End of Reconstruction At the Democratic State Convention in February 1871, delegates spoke out against what they called “unconstitutional and oppressive” activities by Davis’s administration. The Radical Republican legislature had raised taxes, which angered many of these delegates.

The End of Reconstruction In 1873, Davis ran for reelection. He was defeated by Democrat Richard Coke, a former confederate officer. Davis claimed the election proceedings were illegal. The Supreme Court agreed with Davis but it was too late…Coke had already been sworn into office.

Richard Coke Edmund Davis The Democrats quickly reversed many of the changes Davis had made while in office. As a result, African Americans soon lost much of the legal and political ground they had recently gained. Richard Coke Edmund Davis http://www.cemetery.state.tx.us/media/2666DavisEJ118.1.JPG http://www.lsjunction.com/people/coke.jpg

THE CONSTITUTION OF 1876 The Redeemers wanted to remove all traces of the Radical Republicans, which meant changing the state constitution of 1869. 90 delegates met. One major change in the constitution was the amount of power the governor and legislature had. It was greatly decreased. This Constitution also set aside grants for education, homesteads, and railroads.

THE CONSTITUTION OF 1876 This constitution STILL serves as Texas’s constitution. It severely limits the ability for legislature to make changes in government services and powers except by amendments. The constitution has been amended more than any other state’s constitution… around a whopping 400 times!

3 MAIN IDEA The unpopular Davis administration led to pro-Democratic feelings and the adoption of a new state constitution. WHY IT MATTERS NOW Conflicts during Reconstruction left bitterness between Democrats and Republicans for years in Texas.

TIMELINE 1865–1877 1865 Slaves are emancipated in Texas 1866 Constitution of 1866 is adopted 1869 Constitution of 1869 is adopted 1869 Edmund Davis is elected as first Republican governor of Texas 1870 Texas is readmitted into the United States 1873 Democrat Richard Coke is elected governor of Texas 1874 Reconstruction ends in Texas 1876 Constitution of 1876 is adopted

Redemption Plan Action in Texas Congressional Reconstruction Presidential Reconstruction Plan Action in Texas • Abolish slavery • Declare secession illegal • Cancel war debts • Require loyalty oath • Did not ratify 13th Amendment • Declared secession illegal • Cancelled wartime debts • Enforced loyalty oath • Enacted Black Codes • Elected Confederate leaders • Rule southern states with army • Require new state constitutions • Give African Americans the vote • Repeal the Black Codes • Sent federal troops to Texas • Adopted Constitution of 1869 • Increased power of state government • Secured African American rights • Put Republicans in control • Remove Republicans from office • Rewrite state Constitution • Elected Richard Coke as governor • Adopted Constitution of 1876 • Reduced power of state government

REVIEW QUESTIONS Presidential Reconstruction (pages 324–327) Why was General Granger’s order on June 19, 1865, significant to Texans? What were the requirements for Reconstruction under President Johnson’s plan? Congressional Reconstruction (pages 328–331) What were the major provisions of the Reconstruction Act? What changes to the state government were included in the Constitution of 1869?

REVIEW QUESTIONS continued A New Constitution (pages 333–335) Why did many Democrats oppose Governor Davis’s administration? What marked the end of Reconstruction in Texas?

CRITICAL THINKING Analyzing Information Why were members of the U.S. Congress upset by the Black Codes and the election by Texans of former Confederate leaders? How did Congress react to these events? Compare and Contrast How were the Constitutions of 1866, 1869, and 1876 alike? How were they different?

CRITICAL THINKING continued Drawing Conclusions Why did Republicans feel that it was necessary to place Texas and other Southern states under military rule? Synthesizing Information What social, economic, and political effects did Reconstruction have in Texas?