Reconstruction

Or, the more things change the more they stay the same?

On treating the South harshly…

• Student #1 said “…but that will upset them.”

• Student #2 responded, “Isn’t that what we’re supposed to do?”

Reconstruction ~ Background• Lincoln’s Plan – 10% Plan 1863– Freedmen’s Bureau begun– 13th Amendment

• Wade-Davis Plan 1864• Sherman’s Special Field Order 15 (40 acres & a

mule)

• Lee surrenders…Lincoln Assassinated• 13th Amendment ratified

Phase 1 – Johnson’s PlanPresidential Reconstruction

• new constitution in S. states• new gov’t. elected in S. states • S. states do not repay war debts• oath for pardon (rich, mil./pol. leaders couldn’t get one)• ratify 13th (abolish slavery) • restore lands to former owners

Effects of Presidential Reconstruction

• new gov’t org.• many Conf. receive pardons (back in power)• some S. states refuse to cancel debt• Black codes passed ~ slave laws changed to apply to freedmen

~ passes~ curfew~ job restrictions

only work = field hands labor contracts unemployed blacks seized & “auctioned” as laborers

• Pres. J. says Reconstruction is complete by Dec. 1865

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Pres. or Congress:The Fight over Reconstruction

• believe Reconstruction is their job• finally meet in Dec. (Johnson had refused special

session)– refuse to seat most Southerners

• fund Freedmen’s Bureau again, vetoed• pass Civil Rights Bill of 1866 = citizenship, legal

equality, no discrimination– veto overridden (1st time ever)

• 14th Amendment – S. rejects (69-8, 27-2, 3 states no support)– 1866 elections Radical Rep. swept in Cong.