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Explore the challenges and policies of Reconstruction, including debates over leniency vs. punishment, rebuilding the South, handling slavery and former slaves, and rejoining the Union. Learn about the assassination of President Lincoln, the impeachment of Andrew Johnson, and the Reconstruction Amendments. Discover the impact of the Freedmen's Bureau, the Ku Klux Klan, Black Codes, and voting restrictions, and the ongoing struggle for equality.
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Reconstruction 1865-1877 Post—Civil War Period “Putting the Nation Back Together” And: Government policies and programs designed to reunite the nation
There was disagreement over how to handle Reconstruction The big question: Should we be harsh or lenient? Should the South be punished or welcomed back into the Union? Problems: The South must be rebuilt What to do about slavery? How to avoid future rebellions What to do about former slaves? How and when can states rejoin the Union and get representation in Congress?
Reconstruction ended up being harsh. The South was divided into military districts – ruled by generals
The Assassination of President Lincoln Shot on April 14, 1865 – died April 15, 1865 “Now he belongs to the ages.” Edwin Stanton The Assassin: John Wilkes Booth
The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson At odds with a Congress dominated by “Radical Republicans” The Senate failed to convict (and remove him) by one vote Accused of violating the Tenure of Office Act
The Reconstruction Amendments The 13th Amendment The Abolition of Slavery
The 14th Amendment Everyone born in the U.S. is a CITIZEN (Freedmen=Citizenship) ALL citizens guaranteed EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW
The 15th Amendment “Regardless of race, color or previous condition of servitude” The Right to VOTE
African Americans after slavery What was done to help “Freedmen”? The Freedmen’s Bureau Government Agency that provided food and clothes and medical care Set up schools to educate Freedmen Helped Freedmen find jobs
Was Reconstruction “Worse than Slavery”? The Ku Klux Klan Spread terror and violence to keep African Americans down
The Black Codes State laws designed to limit the rights of freedmen • African Americans cannot: • Vote • Serve on juries • Own guns • Do any other jobs except service or farm labor
Sharecropping Kept African Americans in a “Cycle of Poverty”
Voting Restrictions To prevent African-Americans from voting, Southern States used the following: Poll Tax: You must pay $$$ if you want to vote Literacy Tests: Can’t vote if you can’t read Grandfather clause: You can vote if your Grandfather voted
