Reconstruction Era: Lincoln vs. Radical Republicans

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Questions and Answers

What was President Lincoln's primary goal following the Civil War?

To expand the United States

To reunify the country (correct)

To ensure punishment for Confederate leaders

To abolish slavery permanently

What was the most notable aspect of Lincoln's ten percent plan?

It allowed a general pardon for most Southerners (correct)

It required all Southern voters to swear allegiance

It provided limited rights for enslaved people

It mandated the redistribution of land to freed slaves

Which group opposed Lincoln's lenient approach towards the Reconstruction of the South?

Moderate Republicans

Southern Democrats

Radical Republicans (correct)

Democrats

What did Radical Republicans insist upon during the Reconstruction era?

Harsh terms for the defeated Confederacy Signup and view all the answers

What flaw did some Republicans identify in Lincoln's Reconstruction plan?

It forgave traitors instead of ensuring civil rights Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the 1860 voting population in former rebel states was required to take an oath under the ten percent plan?

10% Signup and view all the answers

What action did Lincoln oversee that abolished slavery?

The Thirteenth Amendment Signup and view all the answers

Why did Lincoln believe his lenient plan would be effective?

Because it would speed up Reconstruction Signup and view all the answers

What was Johnson's primary objective during his presidency concerning the South?

To reintegrate the South into the Union on lenient terms Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Johnson take in May 1865 regarding Southern leaders?

He issued a Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction. Signup and view all the answers

Which group particularly opposed Johnson's lenient approach to Reconstruction?

The Radical Republicans Signup and view all the answers

What was required of Southern states for their readmission into the Union?

To hold individual state conventions, repeal secession ordinances, and ratify the Thirteenth Amendment Signup and view all the answers

The inclusion of which group in Johnson's amnesty was particularly aimed at the wealthy planter class?

Former politicians with taxable properties over $20,000 Signup and view all the answers

What was Lincoln's stance on the legality of Southern secession?

It was illegal and thus did not succeed Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of Johnson's rejection of the Radical Republicans' voting rights proposal?

It caused increased conflict between Congress and the presidency Signup and view all the answers

Who was among the former Confederate leaders seeking to reclaim Congressional seats by 1865?

Alexander Stephens Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main goals of the Radical Republican plan for Reconstruction?

To end the plantation system Signup and view all the answers

What was the political background of Johnson prior to becoming vice president?

He was a slaveholding southerner and a Democrat Signup and view all the answers

How did Congress respond to Johnson's attempts to restore former Confederate states?

They created a joint committee to oversee Reconstruction efforts Signup and view all the answers

What was a major factor that contributed to Johnson's challenges in his presidency?

His opposition to the Radical Republicans' agenda Signup and view all the answers

What did Johnson require from Southern leaders to regain their rights?

A personal pardon request from him Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary stance of the Copperheads during the Civil War?

To advocate for peace and reconciliation with the South Signup and view all the answers

What was a key stipulation of the Wade-Davis Bill?

A majority of voters and officials had to take an oath. Signup and view all the answers

What method did President Lincoln use to reject the Wade-Davis Bill?

Using a pocket veto to take no action. Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment to the Constitution abolished slavery?

The Thirteenth Amendment Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for the assassination of Lincoln?

John Wilkes Booth Signup and view all the answers

What significant celebration does June 19 commemorate?

The announcement of freedom for enslaved people in Texas Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of the Republican Party's 1864 platform regarding slavery?

To include abolition of slavery in the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What was John Wilkes Booth's motivation for assassinating Lincoln?

Because he opposed the Thirteenth Amendment. Signup and view all the answers

Who succeeded Lincoln as President after his assassination?

Andrew Johnson Signup and view all the answers

What statement reflects the sentiment of the Republican Party concerning slavery during the Civil War?

Abolition of slavery is vital for national safety and justice. Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of Lincoln’s assassination for the government?

Hysteria and fear of a larger conspiracy among Republicans. Signup and view all the answers

How did General Gordan Granger's arrival in Texas affect enslaved people?

It marked an announcement of their freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What was the public reaction in the North following Lincoln's assassination?

Outrage and the perception of a Confederate conspiracy. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Thirteenth Amendment impact slavery in the United States?

It permanently abolished slavery throughout the country. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of oath was required by the Wade-Davis Bill?

The Ironclad Oath Signup and view all the answers

What significant role did the Republican Party have post-Civil War regarding slavery?

To prioritize the abolition of slavery through constitutional measures. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Reconstruction Era: Lincoln's Plan vs. Radical Republicans

Lincoln's Ten Percent Plan: A lenient plan for quickly reintegrating Southern states into the Union. It required 10% of the 1860 voting population to swear allegiance to the US and emancipation, and then draft new state constitutions. 90% of voters were exempt.
Radical Republicans: A faction of Republicans who wanted harsher terms and protection for formerly enslaved peoples. They wanted to fundamentally change the South.
Wade-Davis Bill: A Radical Republican proposal demanding a majority oath of loyalty, the "Ironclad Oath," from Southern voters and preventing those who supported the Confederacy from participating in future politics. Lincoln used a pocket veto to block this bill.
Thirteenth Amendment: Passed in 1865, abolishing slavery permanently.
Lincoln's Assassination: On April 14, 1865, President Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate supporter.
Juneteenth: June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom, and this date became a significant commemoration for the end of slavery.
Johnson's Presidency: Lincoln's assassination elevated Andrew Johnson to the presidency. Johnson favored a lenient approach to Reconstruction. His Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction provided amnesty and pardon to most Southerners but excluded Confederate leaders. He also set straightforward requirements for re-admission of Southern states to the Union.
Congressional Conflict: Johnson's lenient approach angered many Radical Republicans, who refused to seat Southern representatives and created a joint committee to oversee Reconstruction. This led to clashes with the president.

Johnson's Reconstruction Policies

Amnesty and Pardon: A sweeping initiative extending pardon to most former Confederates.
Property Returns: Southern Confederates, exempt from amnesty, could recover their property.
Exemptions and Requirements: Confederate leadership, high-ranking military officers, and individuals with significant property ($20,000+) were excluded from the initial amnesty. Southern states needed to repeal secession ordinances and ratify the 13th Amendment.
Congressional Disagreement: Johnson's plans were met with considerable opposition from Radical Republicans and his efforts to re-establish Southern states were rejected.

Lincoln's Philosophy on Secession

Lincoln's Position: Secession was unlawful; Southern states had not legally left the Union.

President Johnson's Origins and Background

Humble Beginning: Andrew Johnson was born into extreme poverty in North Carolina.
Self-made Man: Johnson taught himself to read and worked as a tailor.
Political Rise: He rose through the ranks of Tennessee politics and occupied roles as House of Representatives member, Governor, and then U.S. Senator.
Unionist during the War: Remained loyal to the Union during the secession of Tennessee and the subsequent Civil War.
Lincoln's Appointment: Lincoln appointed him governor of the occupied Tennessee and later nominated him for vice-president.
Pragmatic Republican Nomination: His nomination was intended to garner support from both pro-Southern elements and War Democrats.
Presidential Task: Johnson's task was to oversee the restoration of a damaged South under Lincoln's plan.

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Description

Explore the contrasting plans of Abraham Lincoln and the Radical Republicans during the Reconstruction Era. This quiz covers Lincoln's Ten Percent Plan, the Wade-Davis Bill, and significant events like the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment and Lincoln's assassination. Test your knowledge on how these differing approaches aimed to reshape the post-Civil War South.