Reconstruction Era: Johnson's Plan

Questions and Answers

What did Vice President Andrew Johnson intend to do after Lincoln's death?

He intended to follow the broad outline of Lincoln's plan.

What was included in Johnson's plan regarding states?

States were to withdraw secession.

What did Johnson's plan require from Southern states?

Swear allegiance to the Union.

What did Johnson's plan require regarding the 13th Amendment?

Ratify the 13th Amendment and draft a constitution that abolished slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What was the historical significance of Johnson's plan?

He did not want African Americans to have the right to vote and he supported regulations limiting their rights. Signup and view all the answers

What are Black Codes?

Similar to slave codes, which restricted the freedom of movement and limited African American rights. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Black Code regarding curfew state?

Couldn't gather after sunset. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Black Code concerning vagrancy laws dictate?

Not working would lead to fines, whipping, and being sold. Signup and view all the answers

What was the stipulation of the Black Code related to labor contracts?

Signed agreement that if they quit, they would lose all wages. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Black Code about land restriction enforce?

Couldn't rent land or homes in rural areas. Signup and view all the answers

How did Congress respond to Johnson's lack of support for African Americans?

Expansion of Freedmen's Bureau to include punishing state officials who failed to extend civil rights to African Americans. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Civil Rights Act of 1866 aimed at?

Ending of Black Codes by creating a federal government of civil rights to African Americans. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Andrew Johnson?

Impeached. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Andrew Johnson's Presidency

Andrew Johnson became President following Abraham Lincoln's assassination.
Johnson aimed to adhere to Lincoln's reconstruction strategy.

Key Components of Johnson's Plan

Southern states were required to formally retract their secession from the Union.
States had to pledge allegiance to the Union as part of the reintegration process.
Ratification of the 13th Amendment was mandatory, necessitating the formation of new state constitutions that abolished slavery.

Historical Significance

Johnson opposed African American suffrage and enacted policies that constrained their civil rights.

Black Codes Overview

Black Codes mirrored Slave Codes, imposing restrictions on the freedoms and rights of African Americans.

Specific Restrictions under Black Codes

Curfew: Imposed restrictions preventing gatherings after sunset.
Vagrancy Laws: Individuals not engaged in employment faced fines, physical punishment, or forced labor.
Labor Contracts: Agreements bound workers such that quitting resulted in the forfeiture of unpaid wages.
Land Restrictions: African Americans were prohibited from renting land or housing in rural locations.

Johnson vs. Congress

Johnson's approach caused friction with Congress, particularly with Radical Republicans who disapproved of his stance on African American rights.
Radical Republicans responded by expanding the Freedmen's Bureau to hold state officials accountable for denying civil rights.

Legislative Actions

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 was enacted to dismantle Black Codes and fortify civil rights for African Americans.

Andrew Johnson's Downfall

Johnson faced impeachment due to his contentious governance and conflicts with Congress.

Description

Test your knowledge of President Andrew Johnson's approach to Reconstruction following Lincoln's assassination. This quiz covers key components of Johnson's plan, including state secession and allegiance to the Union. Perfect for students studying U.S. history in detail.