Reconstruction Plans and Impeachment

Today’s Goals Understand and analyze Reconstruction Plans Lincoln’s Plan Johnson’s Plan Radical Republican’s Plan Johnson’s Impeachment

Lincoln’s Plans Before the Civil War ended, Abraham Lincoln had a plan set to help rebuild the South.

Lincoln’s Plan A general amnesty would be granted to all who would take an oath of loyalty to the United States and pledge to obey all federal laws pertaining to slavery. Amnesty – official forgiveness High Confederate officials and military leaders were to be temporarily excluded from the process Allowed Confederate states to have representatives and be represented in Congress.

Post-Lincoln After Lincoln was assassinated, Andrew Johnson became the President of the United States. When Johnson took over the Presidency, Congress was not in session. Many of his ideas couldn’t get passed without government approval. In the meantime, black codes were passed by Southern states limiting African American’s freedoms.

Think-Pair-Share What are some Black Codes that were passed in Southern states?

Johnson’s Plan Pardons would be granted to those taking a loyalty oath No pardons would be available to high Confederate officials and persons owning property valued in excess of $20,000 A state needed to abolish slavery before being readmitted A state was required to cancel its secession order before being readmitted.

Think-Pair-Share How did Johnson treat the South during Reconstruction?

Radical Republican’s Plan Concern for the freedmen — some believed that the federal government had a role to play in the transition of freedmen from slavery to freedom Political concerns — the Radicals wanted to keep the Republican Party in power in both the North and the South.

Radical Republican’s Plans Passed laws promoting civil rights. Civil Rights – rights granted to all citizens. Passed the 14th Amendment, which granted equal citizenship to all people born in the United States. The 14th Amendment did not give AA the right to vote.

Johnson’s Impeachment During Johnson’s presidency, he vetoed many bills that promoted equal rights amongst all citizens. Impeach – to accuse and remove the president from office. Congress passed a law which didn’t allow the president from firing government officials without Senate approval. Later in the year, Johnson fired his secretary over disagreements about Reconstruction. Three days later, the House impeached Johnson.

Think-Pair-Share Do you think the House was justified in impeaching President Johnson? Why or why not?

Partner Activity With your shoulder partner, come up with your own idea to restore the social, economic and political integrity of Southern society.