QUESTIONS OF RECONSTRUCTION
FOCUS QUESTION In a short response of one to three sentences, reply to the following prompt: Which do you suppose is more difficult, making war or waging peace?
OBJECTIVES After today’s lesson, you will: Outline the three rival plans for Reconstruction Discuss some of the questions which faced the nation during the Reconstruction Era
RESULTS OF THE CIVIL WAR The Union was preserved Slavery ended Emancipation in rebellious states Thirteenth Amendment ratified in 1865 Lincoln assassinated
RESULTS OF THE CIVIL WAR (II) Economic shift in the U.S. Wealth transferred from the South to the North Southern economy left a shambles Northern industrial economy grew dramatically Numerous government contracts for goods Revised banking standards
WAGING PEACE Numerous questions arose 1.Who will be in charge of Reconstruction? 2.How will Southern states re-enter the Union? 3.What will be done with former Confederate officials? 4.How should the Southern political and economic structure be formed? 5.What will be done with the Freedmen?
THE 10% PLAN Floated by Lincoln in 1863 States readmitted to the Union when: 10% of the voting population of 1860 swore allegiance to the U.S. Swore to support emancipation Supported the Freedmen’s Bureau
CONGRESSIONAL RECONSTRUCTION Wade-Davis Bill States could re-enter the Union when: 50% of voters swore they never supported the Confederacy Demanded guarantees of racial equality Pocket Vetoed by Lincoln
PRESIDENTIAL RECONSTRUCTION Proposed by Andrew Johnson Supported the 10% Plan Required states to ratify the 13 th Amendment Did not support the Freedmen’s Bureau
FREEDMEN’S BUREAU Agency designed to help former slaves and poor whites Provided health care, education, and basics Fueled by Northern abolitionists and Free Blacks Began during the war Reauthorization in 1866 vetoed by President Johnson Veto overridden by Congress
SOUTHERN RESPONSES Three states quickly abided by 10% Plan in 1865 Tennessee, Louisiana, and Arkansas Elected former Confederates to the House and Senate Infuriated the North Refused to seat these congressmen Sets up an issue with President Johnson
PRESSING THE ISSUE Numerous Southern states pass a series of Black Codes Laws designed to restrict behavior of African- Americans Draconian work rules Rules for travel Rules for public gatherings Rules for carrying weapons Clear violation of Civil Liberties
CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1866 Both Radical and Moderate Republicans angered Black Codes attempted to erase the results of the War Passed the first Civil Rights Act in 1866 Vetoed by President Johnson Violated the states rights clause of the Constitution Ruined his chance to forge a national coalition party Veto overridden by Congress
SUMMARY In a short response, explain how you might have improved this lesson