1. Was Reconstruction a success or a failure? Why?
Reconstruction Notes
Was Reconstruction a success or a failure? Why?

3. Why did America need to “reconstruct?”

4. Because they had just fought the Civil War that the Union (or American) side had won.

5. Why did the President and Congress argue over Reconstruction?

6. Because The Constitution provided no guidance regarding Civil War or Reconstruction.

7. What was President Lincoln/Johnson’s Reconstruction Plan?

8. Confederates would have to take a loyalty oath.
Confederate soldiers and government officials could not be pardoned.
After 10% of the population had taken the oath, states could write a new state constitution.

9. After new state constitutions had been written states were allowed back into the Union.
Confederate states would also have to void secession, abolish slavery, and ratify the 13th Amendment.

11. What was President Grant's plan

12. Wanted reconciliation instead of retribution.
Wanted to return to a strong Union.
Believed in protecting the rights of the newly freed slaves.
Unrepentant Confederates would not return to power.

13. What was Congress’ plan?

14. The South would be under military rule.
Southern states had to create new state constitutions.
Required all states to give all males the right to vote including male ex-slaves.

15. Southern who had supported the Confederacy could not vote.
Southern states had to guarantee equal rights to everyone.
Required Southern states to ratify the 14th and 15th Amendments.

16. What laws were passed during Reconstruction?

17. 13th Amendment-Abolished slavery.
14th Amendment-Equal protection under the law, defined citizenship, and guaranteed states will protect constitutional rights.
15th Amendment – Gives all males the right to vote.

18. Freedman’s Bureau-helped take care of refugees and newly freed peoples.
Civil Rights Act of 1875 – Protected African American rights in public.
An establishment of a state funded and mandated education system in the South.

19. What were the outcomes of Reconstruction?

20. The Union was rebuilt.
Economic growth developed in the South.
13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments were ratified.
The Freedmen’s Bureau helped ex-slaves find housing, jobs, and schooling.

21. African Americans become tenant farmers and remained in poverty.
African Americans were denied their civil rights through black codes and segregation.
Many Southerners became bitter towards the North.
Did not regulate railroads, improve working conditions, or advocate for women’s suffrage.