Reconstruction |
Reconstruction refers to the process of integrating the South back into the Union and blacks as citizens.
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Presidential Reconstruction |
The Presidential Reconstruction plan was forgiving to the South as Lincoln wanted to get the Union together as quickly as possible. His 10% plan called for a pardon of all Confederates except high ranking officials and those who committed war crimes. Southern States could enter the Union if 10% of the voters in the 1860 election agreed to pledge allegiance to the Union. This plan was supported by Johnson, but he added disfranchisement and that states must ratify the 13th Amendment.
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Radical Republican/Congressional Reconstruction |
A minority of Republicans believed Lincoln was too forgiving to the South and wanted no former slave owners to hold political power. They also pushed for Blacks to have full citizenship and voting rights. Congress took control of Reconstruction from President Johnson. Congress divides the South into 5 military districts and sent federal troops to "make sure" Reconstruction was followed. They also made states be readmitted with new state constitution that included black suffrage and ratifying the 13th Amendment. Thaddeus Stevens was a Radical Republican leader during this time who opposed the the new Southern Representatives in Congress after the war. This opposition encouraged Congress to prevent the South from returning to its pre-war state.
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Compare/Contrast |
Congressional Reconstruction was much harsher to Southern states, while protecting the rights of blacks more. Congressional Reconstruction pushed for the 14th and 15th Amendment in order to cement Reconstruction. Presidential Reconstruction was more focused on quickly rejoining the Union. Both forms of Reconstruction focused on the admission of the Southern states, the status of blacks, and what should be done to the rebels.
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