RECONSTRUCTION Rebuilding the Nation Reconstruction time after the
RECONSTRUCTION
Rebuilding the Nation • Reconstruction: time after the civil war bringing the south back into the nation • Lincoln’s plan was lenient: Amnesty for soldiers and swear allegiance to USA – After 10% of swear, can come back into Union • Andrew Johnson, president after Lincoln killed, very close to Lincoln’s plan • Radical Republicans wanted to punish South and former slave owners.
Troubles for Andrew Johnson • Johnson vetoed Freedmen’s Wow, That was Bureau & Civil Rights act CLOSE! • Johnston vetoes Reconstruction Act allowing African Americans right to vote – He was overridden by congress • Johnson fired Secretary of War without Congress permission. Vote to impeach • Missed impeachment by one vote!
Reconstruction Society • 1/5 southern men died in war. Land in ruins. • Scalawags: white southerners who joined Republican party • Carpetbaggers: Northerners who moved to South after war. • African Americans gain right to vote in 15 th Amendment
Former Slaves Improve their Lives • Former slaves had to decide where to live, and what to do. • Many schools organized to teach former slaves to read. • African Americans gain political power – Hiram Revels was first Black Senator • Sharecropping come prominent – Were promised 40 acres and a mule by Sherman during war
Collapse of Reconstruction • Many Southerners angry about loss of war an new rights • Ku Klux Klan grew as vigilante group to destroy republican party and keep blacks from voting. • Scandals hurt Republican party. • Bank failures hurt too
Yes, it was a success No, it was a failure • In only a few years African Americans move from Slavery into government • Break up of Plantations led to redistribution of land • African Americans now have institutions open to them: Churches, schools, families • Reformers could not break “cycle of poverty” former slaves • Racial bias still a problem • Groups still keeping former slaves from enjoying their rights
Time to Move on
Possible SAQ’s 1. Explain the impact of the Election of 1828 on American Politics. 2. Explain one major difference between the Democrat-Republicans and the Federalists
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