1. Congressional Reconstruction
Aim: Was the Radical Republican plan for Reconstruction too harsh on the South?

3. I. Congressional Reconstruction
Some Radical Republicans (Stevens, Sumner) advocated land redistribution in the South
Civil Rights Act (1866) – required an end to legal discrimination against African Americans
Johnson vetoed; Congress overrode his veto
Military Reconstruction Act – divided the ten rebellious states into five military districts with Union generals in charge of political reform

5. II. Impeaching President Johnson
Congress enacted the Tenure of Office Act in 1867
Johnson fired Sec of War Edwin Stanton
Congress impeached Johnson, bringing him up on formal charges (House) and trying him (Senate)
Johnson was not convicted
Checks and balances

6. III. Reconstruction Amendments
13th Amendment – Abolished Slavery
14th Amendment – Guaranteed citizenship, due process, and equal protection under the law for African Americans
15th Amendment – Allowed African American males the right to vote (suffrage)