RADICAL RECONSTRUCTION APUSH – Spiconardi
The Fourteenth Amendment Prohibits states from abridging “privileges” and “immunities” of citizens Guarantees “equal protection under the law” Gave congress the power to reduce congressional representation to any state that denied any group of men to vote
The Fifteenth Amendment Federal and state governments could not deny any citizen the right to vote on the basis of race Prior to this amendment, only eight northern states allowed black males to vote American Anti-Slavery Society disbands after amendments ratification Who is going to take umbrage with the way in which the amendment is written?
Changing Views on Government Most Americans had believed from the adoption of the Bill of Rights that the federal government posed a threat to civil liberties After the Reconstruction Amendments, the federal government provided and protected civil liberties The Constitution went beyond protecting property rights [The federal government has become] the custodian of freedom
Impeachment Johnson vetoed Congress’ Reconstruction Act, but is overridden by Congress To limit Johnson’s influence over Reconstruction, Congress passes the Tenure of Office Act Tenure of Office Act Tenure of Office Act The president cannot remove certain office holders (e.g. cabinet members) without the approval of Congress Johnson defies the act and removes his Secretary of War Johnson is impeached, but not convicted
Election of 1868
Black Freedom Blacks took part in political meetings and grassroots gatherings Blacks ran for political office
Black Freedom Black Officeholders Roughly 2,000 blacks held public office during Reconstruction Fourteen congressional representatives Two black senators (both from Mississippi) Only four others have been elected since 1875 Blacks served on juries
Black Freedom Public Schools Most schools segregated (Only in New Orleans were schools integrated during Reconstruction) The South’s old leaders would soon not stand for black freedom