Reconstruction The Rebuilding of a Nation Part 1

Reconstruction: The Rebuilding of a Nation Part 1: Politics 1865 -1877

Issues of Reconstruction ► How will southern states rejoin the Union? will the southern economy be rebuilt? Economic effects devastating Property values plummeted Small farms ruined Per capita wealth dropped by two-thirds Charred buildings, twisted railroad tracks, demolished bridges, neglected roads, abandoned farms More than one-fifth of Confederate adult white men died in war ► What rights will African-Americans have?

Lincoln’s 10% Plan (Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction) Terms ► Goal: speedy recovery for the union ► Admit states if 10% of voters swear loyalty Opposition ► Radical Republicans (include Thaddeus Stevens & Charles Sumner): Lincoln’s plan doesn’t do enough; full citizenship needed for African-Americans; punish the south

Radical Republicans Respond With Wade-Davis Bill (July 1864) ► Congress responsible for Reconstruction, not President ► For state govt. to be formed, a majority, not just 10% of those eligible to vote in 1860 would have to vow to support the Constitution ► Lincoln “pocket vetoes” the plan

April 1865 –Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth Andrew Johnson becomes president Former TN Senator, was loyal to the North Believes in a “government for white men” Little sympathy for African-American struggles

Johnson’s Plan Andrew Johnson: “The time has come for us to heal the scars and wounds of this Great War. We must repair this Union immediately. My Plan for Reconstruction is this. Each state must withdraw its secession, swear allegiance to the Union. . . and ratify the 13 th Amendment. With these conditions met, let the states of the South rejoin our great Union. I will pardon Confederate leaders that demonstrate true remorse for their actions, and I do not say that suffrage (voting) is now the right of the freed Negro. No, sir, white men alone must manage the South. ” • Southern states must pass the 13 th Amendment (abolish slavery) to re-join the Union • Supporter of state rights over federal regulations – allows states to limit freedoms of African. Americans

“ 1865 has been a terrible year of loss of pride and the Confederacy. However, we will not lose our dignity in our own lands. . . The races must remain separated, and the Negro being inferior must not be allowed to hold power in our communities. We have successfully drafted a measure of Black Codes. This will prevent the Negro from carrying weapons, serving on juries, testifying against Whites, marrying Whites, traveling without a permit, and most of all not owning land. ” Black Codes: used to control African-Americans in the South ► No ownership of land ► Limited job opportunities

Congress’ Plan for Reconstruction ► Both radical and moderate Republicans are furious with the South (and Johnson’s) disregard for Reconstruction ► Goal: Make the South Pay!! ► When Southern Representatives arrive in Washington D. C. , Congress refused them their seats!

So, Congress Comes up with a plan of their own. . . Civil Rights Act of 1866 ► Full citizenship rights to African-Americans ► Outlaws black codes Johnson: R. R. are “trying to Africanize the southern half of our country!” ** vetoed by Johnson but this is overturned by Congress and becomes law

Freedman’s Bureau ► Passed by Radical Republicans ► An organization to assist former slaves (provides food, clothing, jobs, education)

Josiah Washington, Former Slave in SC: “The Freedman’s Bureau has been the best thing for my family since Lincoln made his Proclamation in 1863. My sister has been treated for her illness and her life saved at the Freedman’s Hospital near Charleston. Plus, my children are starting school this year under the Freedman’s program. ”

Congress’ Plan: Reconstruction Amendments ► 13 th Amendment (1865): outlaws slavery ► 14 th Amendment (1866): guarantees equality to all citizens (including African Americans) ► 15 th Amendment (1870): gives African American (males only) right to vote

Congress’ Plan: Military Reconstruction Act (1867) ► Divides the south into 5 military districts governed by Union generals until they agreed to the 14 th amendment (passed over Johnson’s veto)

Congress vs. Johnson ► ► § § § Election of 1866 gives Radical Republicans more power in Congress passes Tenure of Office Act 1867 Reason: protect Republicans who might be fired by Johnson Terms: president needs approval before he can fire people Impeachment Process Charges: Johnson ignores the Act Results: Fails by one vote Impact: Impeachment cannot happen over political differences