Reconstruction Era Quiz

Study Notes

Reconstruction

Aimed to rebuild the South post-Civil War and promote liberty and equality for freed slaves.
A monumental task as the South faced extensive destruction; pivotal for national healing and unity.

Johnson's Reconstruction Plan

Implemented by President Andrew Johnson, focusing on re-admittance of Southern states.
Required states to rewrite constitutions, establish governments, repeal secession, settle war debts, and ratify the 13th Amendment.
Criticized for lack of support for former slaves and failure to extend voting rights.

Freedmen's Bureau

Established by the Union to aid former slaves and impoverished whites in the South.
Provided services including legal aid, education, medical care, food, and clothing.
Johnson's pardons and restoration of power to previous landowners impeded the Bureau's effectiveness.

Black Codes

Enacted to restrict freedoms of African Americans, constraining their rights and opportunities.
Defined acceptable behaviors and roles for African Americans, reinforcing plantation labor.
Allowed former Confederates to regain power, worsening oppression of African Americans.

Radical Republicans

A faction critical of Johnson’s approach, consisting of pre-war abolitionists like Thaddeus Stevens and Charles Sumner.
Advocated for stronger protections and equal rights for African Americans during Reconstruction.
Endeavored to pass legislation in Congress, often facing Johnson’s vetoes which were overridden by Congress.

Congressional Reconstruction

Initiated following Congress's takeover from Johnson, marked by the Reconstruction Acts.
Established new guidelines for Southern states’ reintegration into the Union, differing significantly from Johnson’s plan.

Reconstruction Act of 1867

Outlined the conditions for Southern states to rejoin the Union.
Divided the South into five military-controlled districts.
Allowed loyal males (both black and white) to register as voters while excluding Confederate sympathizers.
Mandated new state constitutions that ensured African American suffrage and ratification of the 14th Amendment.
Restricted Johnson’s powers significantly.

Johnson's Impeachment

Faced impeachment for non-compliance with Congressional laws, believing restrictions on his influence were unconstitutional.
Acquitted by a narrow margin, remaining in office by just one vote.
Resulted in his reluctant acceptance of Congressional Reconstruction and tested the balance of power between Congress and the presidency.

Description

Test your knowledge on the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. Explore key elements such as Johnson's Reconstruction Plan, the role of the Freedmen's Bureau, and the implications of Black Codes on African Americans. This quiz will help you understand the significant changes and challenges during this pivotal time in American history.