The Agony of Reconstruction
The Agony of Reconstruction
Ch. 16 (499-510)
I. Issue—Most important post-war issue was the future of the freedmen A. Blacks sought the rights to vote and hold political office B. Results in intense and unparallel political conflicts at the national level II. Political crisis A. Minimal Reconstruction and supporters B. Radical Reconstruction and supporters C. Lincoln’s Proclamation of Amnesty & Reconstruction (Dec. 1863) 1. Proclamation of amnesty a. Oath of allegiance b. Acknowledge emancipation c. Ten percent plan 1. State govts. could be formed when 10% of those who voted in 1860 (note: that does not include freedmen) swore allegiance to the Union and accepted emancipation 2. Confederate officials and military officers needed presidential pardons before participating in the new government 2. Congress’ reaction a. Wanted protection for black rights as a precondition for readmission b. Wanted constitutional provision for black male suffrage c. Did not trust “repentant” Confederates d. Believed president misusing executive authority D. Wade-Davis Bill 1. Fifty percent take oath of loyalty 2. Only those who swore having never supported the Confederacy could elect delegates to constitutional conventions 3. Did not require black suffrage but gave federal government power to enforce emancipation 4. Lincoln pocket vetoes the bill and dies before compromise plan is worked out
III. Andrew Johnson presidency A. Background B. Reconstruction policy 1. Placed southern states under appointed provisional governors 2. Appointed governors to call constitutional
Ch. 16 (499-510)
I. Issue—Most important post-war issue was the future of the freedmen A. Blacks sought the rights to vote and hold political office B. Results in intense and unparallel political conflicts at the national level II. Political crisis A. Minimal Reconstruction and supporters B. Radical Reconstruction and supporters C. Lincoln’s Proclamation of Amnesty & Reconstruction (Dec. 1863) 1. Proclamation of amnesty a. Oath of allegiance b. Acknowledge emancipation c. Ten percent plan 1. State govts. could be formed when 10% of those who voted in 1860 (note: that does not include freedmen) swore allegiance to the Union and accepted emancipation 2. Confederate officials and military officers needed presidential pardons before participating in the new government 2. Congress’ reaction a. Wanted protection for black rights as a precondition for readmission b. Wanted constitutional provision for black male suffrage c. Did not trust “repentant” Confederates d. Believed president misusing executive authority D. Wade-Davis Bill 1. Fifty percent take oath of loyalty 2. Only those who swore having never supported the Confederacy could elect delegates to constitutional conventions 3. Did not require black suffrage but gave federal government power to enforce emancipation 4. Lincoln pocket vetoes the bill and dies before compromise plan is worked out
III. Andrew Johnson presidency A. Background B. Reconstruction policy 1. Placed southern states under appointed provisional governors 2. Appointed governors to call constitutional