Reconstruction Begins

The Civil War and Reconstruction Reconstruction is the period in which the United States began to rebuild the South after the Civil War and readmit the former Confederate states from 1865-1877. During this time, government programs, like the Freedmen’s Bureau, were created. It was a social program used to help former slaves receive food, clothing, medical care, legal protection, and education.In Lincoln’s plan for Reconstruction, he wanted it to be easy for the South to return to make reunification a smooth process. He issued the Proclamation of Amnesty, which stated that all Confederates were pardoned for fighting the North; however, some high officials were not pardoned. Lincoln also made the 10% Plan, which stated that, when 10% of any state pledged loyalty to the Union, that area could be a state again.Lincoln was killed by John Wilkes Booth and Andrew Johnson became President during this era. According to Johnson’s plan, he wanted wealthy plantation owners excluded from taking the oath to regain the right to vote because Johnson felt they helped to cause the Civil War. Also, Johnson was a racist. He felt only whites should govern in the South.Radical Republicans, led by Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts, were severely angered after Civil War was over. According to Congress’ plan, they wanted to make it very difficult for the South to return to the Union and they had an attitude of retribution in their approach. They also demanded that the South must embrace legislation to incorporate the former slaves as citizens to come back into the Union.Going against Johnson, Congress passed the Freedmen’s Bureau and the Civil Rights Act of 1866 to use legislation to protect the former slaves. Johnson vetoed both measures; yet, Congress over turned the vetoes. Congress and President Johnson had massive conflict in determining how Reconstruction should move forward. After overriding the vetoes against African American social programs, Congress drafted the 14th Amendment. This amendment prohibited discrimination against the former slaves in terms of the law. Congress was attempting to use legislation to secure the citizenship rights of the former slaves against the bitter racism of the South.In the Reconstruction Act of 1867, Congress let Tennessee back in the Union because they accepted the 14th Amendment. The other states had to embrace the 14th Amendment to get back in to the Union. This also divided the South into 5 Military Districts to ensure the option of military force could be used to implement their plan. What dates do historians assign as the era of Reconstruction? 1850-1860 1861-1865 1865-1877 1880-1890 What was the social program created for the former slaves during Reconstruction? The Freedmen’s Bureau The Proclamation of Amnesty The Civil Rights Act of 1866 The 10% Plan Which action was taken by Lincoln and proved his Reconstruction approach was lenient? The passing of the Freedmen’s Bureau His veto of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 His refusal to allow wealthy plantation owners to regain power in the South The 10% Plan Which person below was a leader for the Radical Republicans? Abraham Lincoln Andrew Johnson Charles Sumner Samuel Tilden Which option below explains the 14th Amendment? The law ended slavery. The law excluded wealthy plantation owners in the South from government leadership. The law created social programs for the former slaves. The law asserted that former slaves would receive equal legal protection SORTING RECONSTRUCTION PLANS Sort the Reconstruction plans below. Be sure to sort aspects that were unique to the individual plans. For instance, what makes Johnson’s plan different from Lincoln’s plan and Congress’ plan? Andrew Johnson's Plan was not a supporter of the Civil Rights initiatives of Congress wanted wealthy plantation owners excluded from governing because felt they helped to start the Civil War was unjustly racist and felt only whites should govern Abraham Lincoln's Plan was more lenient than the other plans issued the Proclamation of Amnesty, which pardoned most Confederates for their rebellion favored the 10% Plan, meaning that, when 10% of any state pledged allegiance to the Union, they could be a state again Congress’ Plan wanted social programs, like the Freedmen’s Bureau Leaders like Charles Sumner wanted to punish the South for their rebellion favored legislative action to protect the former slaves and assure them citizenship Important Terms: Match the term with its significance. The Freedmen’s Bureau This was a social program created to provide aid to the former slaves. John Wilkes Booth He assassinated Abraham Lincoln. The 14th Amendment This law attempted to ensure the former slaves had equal legal protection under the law. Charles Sumner He was a leader for the Radical Republicans in Congress. The 5 Military Districts of the Union These were Union stations left after the Civil War to keep a military presence in the South. Lincoln’s plan wanted it to be easy for the South to return to make reunification a smooth process Proclamation of Amnesty stated that all Confederates were pardoned for fighting the North the 10% Plan stated that, when 10% of any state pledged loyalty to the Union, that area could be a state again Johnson's Plan wanted wealthy plantation owners excluded from taking the oath to regain the right to vote Congress’ plan wanted to make it very difficult for the South to return to the Union