Recinstruction

Reconstruction

Reconstruction was the period immediately following the Civil War. Lincoln had already been planning for reconstruction before the war was even over, but with his unexpected passing, the reconstruction process was going to be harder than expected. There were three plans for the reconstruction of the south, Lincoln's plan, Johnson's plan, and the Radical Republican Congressman's plan.

Lincoln's plan was simple. He wanted to restore the Union as quick as possible and did not want to punish the south. He believe that the South shouldn't be punished because they hadn't actually left the union since it was not constitutionally possible. Lincoln wanted to issue a Proclamation of Amnesty, which would pardon all Confederate officials and military officers. They would have to pledge loyalty to the U.S. and pledge to obey all federal laws regarding slavery. Lincoln also wanted to issue the 10% plan. If ten percent of the state's voters who had participated in the 1860 election swore an oath to the Union, then that state could create a new government and elect representatives to Congress. It would also allow states to make laws regarding the freed slaves. Louisiana, Tennessee, and Arkansas quickly complied with these rules, but Congress did not agree with them. They objected to the leniency and lack of protection for freed slaves. In 1864, Congress passed the Wade-Davis Bill stating that a state must have majority take the oath of loyalty, the state has to completely abolish slavery, and no Confederate officials could take part in the new governments. Lincoln did not approve this plan and rejected it. Lincoln and congress did not reach an agreement due to Lincoln's assassination the following year.

After the passing of the president, Andrew Johnson, his successor, took over. He shared many of the same beliefs as Lincoln. In his plan, no mercy would be given to people who took the loyalty pledge, nor would pardons be obtainable to Confederate officials and people owning property valued at $20,000 or more. A state would have to repeal its secession ordinance and abolish slavery before reentering the Union. His plan also guaranteed African Americans equal rights if the state agreed to free them, but could not make southern governments accept the new freedom laws. It also stated that not all blacks got the right to vote, only the ones that were literate. Many of