What Led To The Failure Of Reconstruction

What would have happened if Abraham Lincoln hadn’t been assassinated? This is a question that I have asked myself since the first time I had learned about this time in American history. It is this very question that the author of the article addresses. The initial view towards Reconstruction was that it wouldn’t have made a difference whether or not Lincoln had been part of the picture, many historians had believed that Lincoln would have clashed with Radical Republicans in congress much like Andrew Johnson had. However, this traditional view of Reconstruction has been abandoned by historians. Much like myself, they now view Reconstruction as tragic failed experiment which would leave the problem of racial injustice for generations to come.
Before the Civil War, Lincoln had not supported many rights for blacks and did not view Reconstruction as an opportunity for social reform in the United States, however he knew that to maintain order, he would have to work with the radicals in order to make progress towards reuniting the nation. Unlike Lincoln, Johnson lacked these qualities. Johnson was very narrowminded and did not respond will to the opinions and criticism of others. It was these characteristics of Johnson that would lead to the failure of his plan, along with the refusal to work with congress in any way shape or form that would lead to his impeachment in 1868, which he would fall one vote short of conviction. Much like the author I also believe that it is very hard to imagine Lincoln become as alienated as Johnson had during his presidency. Lincoln had always been willing to work closely with all Republicans. It is quite reasonable to imagine Lincoln and Congress agreeing to a Reconstruction
Although they do somewhat discuss Lincoln and his plan for Reconstruction, they don’t really talk about what could have been if Lincoln had not been assassinated. Although this conversation is really one strictly based on opinions and debates, it is a question that I have always found of interest. This article took much of the knowledge that I already have and discusses what could have been based on what we know of Lincoln and the events that occurred after his assassination. To me this is extremely interesting because for me it answers some questions as to perhaps what could have been. Although we can’t change history, we can debate and speculate based on events that did happen and use this to possibly determine what could have been. This is something that I absolutely love. The author clearly understood how important Lincoln would have been in the Reconstruction process and what an impact his absence had on how Reconstruction went. I truly believe that Lincoln hadn’t been assassinated Reconstruction would have gone a lot smoother. Lincoln would have run into many of the problems Johnson and congress had endured, however I believe with his open mind and understanding personality he would have been able to come up with better solutions which would have allowed the south to more peacefully enter the Union and therefore would have allowed Reconstruction to be a