U.S. Reconstruction Plans Overview

Questions and Answers

What motivated President Abraham Lincoln to start planning for Reconstruction?

Major Union victories at the battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg in 1863.

What was the main focus of Lincoln's Plan for Reconstruction?

Forgiveness.

What did Lincoln's Ten-Percent Plan entail?

A southern state could be readmitted into the Union once 10 percent of its voters swore an oath of allegiance to the Union.

What were the goals of Congress' plan for Reconstruction?

To punish the South, transform southern society, disband the planter aristocracy, redistribute land, develop industry, and guarantee civil liberties for former slaves. Signup and view all the answers

Andrew Johnson was fully supportive of punitive measures against the South.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was Andrew Johnson's approach to Reconstruction?

He wanted to restore the Union in as little time as possible and implemented his plans during Congress' recess. Signup and view all the answers

What did Johnson do to the Freedmen's Bureau?

He undermined it by ordering it to return all confiscated lands to white landowners. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key condition that Johnson required for states to be readmitted into the Union?

Each state had to ratify the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lincoln's Reconstruction Plan

Initiated after Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg in 1863.
Aimed for reunification of North and South post-war.
Emphasized forgiveness with the Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction.

10% Plan

Also known as Lincoln's blueprint for Reconstruction.
Allowed southern states to rejoin the Union once 10% of 1860 voters took an oath of allegiance.

Congress' Reconstruction Plan

Radical Republicans sought punishment for the South due to their role in the Civil War.
Aimed to transform Southern society by dismantling the planter aristocracy and redistributing land.
Focused on developing industry and ensuring civil liberties for former slaves.

Johnson's Ascendancy

Became president following Lincoln's assassination.
Initially appeared supportive of punitive measures against the South but later opposed Congress.

Johnson vs Congress

Prioritized states' rights over central authority, disapproving of economic legislation.
Rejected Radical Republican efforts to reorganize the plantation system and protect black civil rights.

Andrew Johnson’s Reconstruction Strategy

Sought a quick restoration of the Union, similar to Lincoln.
Implemented Presidential Reconstruction while Congress was in recess.
Returned confiscated property and issued pardons to ex-Confederates.
Undermined the Freedmen's Bureau by ordering the return of confiscated land to white owners.
Appointed governors for drafting new state constitutions and required ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment for readmission.
Declared Reconstruction complete by the end of 1865, aiming to finalize it before Congress reconvened.

Description

This quiz explores the various Reconstruction plans following the Civil War, including Lincoln's 10% Plan, Congress' punitive approach, and President Johnson's differing views. It highlights the themes of forgiveness, punishment, and the transformation of Southern society. Test your understanding of these critical historical strategies and their implications for America.