Reconstruction

The Civil War ended in 1865 followed by a period of gradually bringing Southern states back into the Union. This period is Reconstruction.

Reconstruction This was a rough period. Land lay in ruins (not so much in Texas), money was scarce, and slaves were free but most without food or shelter.

Reconstruction Because of the distance of the war, not everyone got the news of the Emancipation Proclamation of On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers landed in Galveston and freed all enslaved Texans. (Juneteenth )

Presidential Plans Union troops came into Texas to keep the peace and patrol the border.

Presidential Plans President Lincoln wanted to restore the Union quickly and show sympathy towards the South. Not all Northerners agreed and some wanted the South to be treated like conquered territories. President Lincoln wanted to restore the Union quickly and show sympathy towards the South. Not all Northerners agreed and some wanted the South to be treated like conquered territories.

Presidential Plans President Andrew Johnson replaced Lincoln after his assassination and set forth Lincoln’s Reconstruction plan

Presidential Plans He set up provisional governments (with protection from troops) until the state was readmitted.

Presidential Plans To be readmitted, the state must prohibit slavery and nullify its ordinance of secession. To regain voting rights, Southern citizens had to take an oath of allegiance to the U.S.

Presidential Plans Andrew Hamilton was appointed governor of Texas. He had been against secession. There was mixed feelings of him returning to Texas.

Freedmen’s Bureau It operated for five years, helping find jobs for freed Texans and issuing food and clothing to the sick, aged, and poor. It established the 1 st public schools in Texas for African American children.

Freedmen’s Bureau Many whites disliked the bureau because they thought it was a waste of taxpayers’ money and was only here to strengthen the Republican Party.

Government Restored in 1866 A convention was called to write a new constitution. Most of the delegates supported the Confederacy.

Government Restored in 1866 The new constitution met the requirements given by the President. It gave certain rights to African Americans but did not allow them to vote.

People on the Move Slavery had separated many family members. Once freed, they took to the streets to find loved ones. Much land had been destroyed to the east of Texas, so many came to Texas for better land.

Ex-Confederates to Office Southerners elected many Confederates to top positions in the state government and U.S. Congress. This gave the South power again.

Ex-Confederates to Office –Texas legislatures refused to ratify the 13th (abolishing slavery) and 14th (granting citizenship) amendments into the U.S. Constitution.

Ex-Confederates to Office Southern states also created the “black codes” which would not allow African Americans to vote, testify against whites, or serve on juries.

Radical Republicans Take Charge Radical Republicans wanted stricter standards for states reentering the Union and wanted protection for African Americans in the South. Radical Republicans wanted stricter standards for states reentering the Union and wanted protection for African Americans in the South. In 1866, the Radical Republicans gained control of Congress and could override the presidential veto. In 1866, the Radical Republicans gained control of Congress and could override the presidential veto.

Radical Republicans Take Charge President Johnson fought against the Radical program and was charged with misconduct in office. The House voted to impeach and he was tried in the Senate. He missed impeachment by one vote.

Radical Republicans Take Charge  The South was divided into military districts with the military ruling the district until states met their requirements:  African American men the right to vote.  ratify the 14th and 15th amendments  eliminate the black codes  Ironclad oath – which said that they had not voluntarily serve in the Confederate army. (many Southerners were not allowed to vote due to this)

Radical Republicans Take Charge  Many officials in Texas were removed and replaced with Republicans.  Scalawags were Southern white supporters of the Reconstruction. Carpetbaggers were Northerners who came to the South for political and economic gain.

Radical Republicans Take Charge The Ku Klux Klan was formed and used violent tactics to keep African Americans from voting and getting into office

Radical Republicans Take Charge In 1874, Reconstruction legally ended in Texas.