Essay On Johnson's Reconstruction Plan On African Americans

Reconstruction of 1865 In 1865, President Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilksbooth, which led Vice President Andrew Johnson to take over the role as president. In effect, this started the beginning of Johnson’s reconstruction plan. The reconstruction plan was to free the slaves and to try to rejoin the union in as little time as possible. This effected the African Americans in many different ways as their economic, social, and political patterns were changed drastically. Yet, some southern African Americans, didn’t always get the same equal rights. Which then began the “Black Codes” in the South. Former slaves had more freedom than before, but not as equal as the average white male. The slaves reacted to reconstruction plan in many different ways. Many celebrated and enjoyed the new privileges they have never had before. For example, former slaves were able to take the opportunity to become literate, and even able to choose a new career. More so, African Americans were able to enjoy having legal rights, to purchase land, vote, participate in politics, and even use public accommodations. Majority of the freed slaves went for a search for new and better opportunities as freed slaves. Yet, there were still African Americans that remained loyal to their slave owners, and continued to work for them. Some even turned to violence, and
Economically, the freed slaves were able to get new jobs. They were even allowed to purchase, sell and barter. This helped the economy enormously. Socially, African Americans were still discriminated against, but had new opportunities for advancement in other positive ways. For example, African Americans were able to join churches and attend school. Politically, African American males were able to have their voice heard; Even for a short period of time were able to vote. This was a drastic change for fellow slaves, and benefited the United