Putting the Country Back Together Reconstruction Putting the Country Back Together

Problems in the South after the war Plantations and Farms Slaves were gone – no labor Horses and mules were rare Barns, Houses, and crops had been burned Cities Many had been destroyed Industry was destroyed – few factories and R.R. There was a huge number of freed slaves looking for work – their families (4 million) Leadership All the leaders in the South had gone with the Confederate government and could not be trusted to serve in leadership roles during reconstruction.

Plans for reunification Lincoln’s Plan – Lenient Plan Lincoln wanted to restore the union fast. Except for a few high-ranking confederates, he would offer amnesty to all southern who pledged a loyalty oath. When 10 % of states voters from 1860 pledged oath, the state could come back. He supported the 13th amendment and thought that former slaves that could read and write and who had served the union should be allowed to vote.

Congress’s plan – The Wade – Davis Bill Congress (Radicals Republicans) wanted to get even with the south Wanted to put south under military rule Said 50% had to take a loyalty oath before state could be readmitted Their plan excluded confederate supporters Federal courts would enforce emancipation

Johnson’s plan for “Restoration” Offered amnesty to ALL who would take loyalty oath High ranking officials had to get Presidential pardon Set no hard percentage for readmission but said it would need to be at least ½ Each state had to revoke secession, abolish slavery and ratify the 13th amendment, and pay their war debts

President vs. Congress Johnson and the Radical Republicans clash over everything In 1868, Congress voted to impeach Johnson. Johnson missed being removed from office by 1 vote but really had no power after that.

Radical Reconstruction The Reconstruction Act of 1867 Est. new state governments under military rule The states had to hold new state constitutional conventions voted on by ALL males. The new constitutions had to abolish slavery When voters ratified the constitutions, t14th amendment, and later the 15th amendment, they could come back.