chapter 22 - the ordeal of reconstruction

What were the main questions facing the United States after the Civil War?

Concerns included the status of freed blacks, the reunification of the South and North, and who would make decisions regarding reconstruction.

What was the situation of freed blacks after the Civil War?

Freed blacks, or 'freedmen,' faced uncertainty; many remained on plantations, while some fled north or sought freedom through legal means. Violence erupted as frustrations grew.

What role did churches play in the black community post-Civil War?

Churches became a strong pillar of the black community, with the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) quadrupling in size within ten years after the war.

What was the purpose of the Freedmen's Bureau?

Created by Congress to assist freed slaves, the Freedmen's Bureau aimed to provide food, clothing, health care, and education.

Who headed the Freedmen's Bureau?

General O. O. Howard, who later founded Howard University in Washington, D.C.

What was one of the Freedmen's Bureau's notable successes?

The bureau's largest accomplishment was teaching many blacks to read.

What was Andrew Johnson's background before becoming president?

Andrew Johnson was a Tennessean of humble origins and the only Southern Congressman who did not join the Confederacy.

What was Lincoln's '10 Percent Plan'?

A reconstruction plan that allowed a Southern state to be readmitted to the U.S. after 10% of its voters took an oath of loyalty and respected emancipation.

What was the Wade-Davis Bill?

A proposal by Radical Republicans requiring 50% of voters to take an allegiance oath and including safeguards for freed blacks, which Lincoln pocket-vetoed.

What stipulations did Johnson add to Lincoln's 10 Percent Plan?

Johnson's stipulations included disenfranchising leading Confederates, repealing secession ordinances, repudiating Confederate debts, and requiring ratification of the 13th Amendment.

What were Black Codes?

Laws passed by Southern states to control freed blacks, binding them to work for white employers and imposing penalties for leaving contracts early.

What was the impact of the 3/5 Compromise's end after the Civil War?

With slaves freed, Southern representation in Congress increased as they were counted as full persons, affecting the balance of power.

What did President Johnson claim about the South's return to the U.S.?

Johnson stated that the South had fulfilled all requirements for re-admittance to the Union, claiming the nation was reunited.

What was the Civil Rights Bill that Johnson vetoed?

A bill intended to grant citizenship to blacks and undermine Black Codes, which Johnson opposed.

What did the Fourteenth Amendment propose?

It granted civil rights and citizenship to freedmen, reduced state Congressional representation if blacks were denied voting, and disqualified Confederate leaders from federal office.

When was the Fourteenth Amendment ratified?

The Fourteenth Amendment was ratified in 1868.

What was the conflict between Johnson and Congress during Reconstruction?

Johnson's adherence to the 10% Plan and his vetoes of key legislation clashed with Congress's push for stricter Reconstruction measures, including the ratification of the 14th Amendment.

What was the significance of the Freedmen's Bureau's expiration in 1872?

The expiration marked a decline in federal support for freed blacks and education, leaving many without resources.

How did the Southern Congressmen's return in 1865 affect Northern Republicans?

Northern Republicans were concerned that the return of Southern Congressmen would allow the South to regain power in Congress.

What was the public perception of Black Codes among Northerners?

Many Northerners viewed Black Codes as a continuation of slavery in a different form.

What was the outcome of Johnson's 'round the circle' speeches in 1866?

Johnson faced heckling and criticism as he attempted to rally support for his policies, highlighting his growing unpopularity.

What was the impact of Johnson's speech tour during Reconstruction?

It backfired, gaining support for Congressional Reconstruction at the president's expense.

Who were the leaders of the Radical Republicans?

Sen. Charles Sumner and Thaddeus Stevens.

What was the main difference between moderate and radical Republicans during Reconstruction?

Radical Republicans wanted major social and economic changes, while moderate Republicans were more cautious and reluctant to involve the federal government.

What did the Reconstruction Act of March 1867 accomplish?

It divided the South into 5 military districts and established rules for states to be re-admitted, including acceptance of the 14th Amendment and guaranteeing black suffrage.

What was the purpose of the 15th Amendment?

To guarantee black suffrage and prevent voting discrimination based on race.

What did the Supreme Court case Ex parte Milligan (1866) establish?

Military courts cannot try civilians when civil courts are available.

What was the Union League?

A network of clubs that informed freed blacks of their civic duties and supported Republican candidates.

Who were Hiram Revels and Blanche K. Bruce?

They were the first black U.S. senator and a senator from Mississippi, respectively.

What were scalawags?

Southern whites who were sympathetic to the North and accused of betraying the South.

What were carpetbaggers?

Northerners who moved to the South after the Civil War, often viewed as opportunists.

What was the Ku Klux Klan's primary method of operation?

They thrived on fear, using intimidation, threats, and violence against blacks and their allies.

What tactics did whites use to disenfranchise blacks during Reconstruction?

Literacy tests, understanding clauses, and grandfather clauses.

What was the Tenure of Office Act?

A law requiring Senate approval for the president to fire appointees, used to set up President Johnson for impeachment.

What was the outcome of President Johnson's impeachment trial?

He was acquitted by one vote and remained in office.

What was the significance of William H. Seward's purchase of Alaska?

Bought for $7.2 million in 1867, it was initially unpopular but later valued for its resources.

How did many Southerners view Reconstruction?

As worse than the Civil War, leading to feelings of shame and animosity.

What was the long-term impact of Reconstruction on Southern blacks?

Despite good intentions, their situation was often as bad or worse than before the war.

What was the term used by Southerners to refer to the Civil War?

The 'War of Northern Aggression.'

What major social change did the Radical Republicans aim for during Reconstruction?

The enfranchisement of blacks and significant social and economic reforms in the South.

What role did Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony play in the context of the 14th Amendment?

They opposed the amendment for its reference to 'males' as citizens, viewing it as a setback for women's rights.

What was the response of black women during the Reconstruction era?

They participated in support roles but made no tangible gains in rights or recognition.

What was the impact of military rule in the South during Reconstruction?

It was starkly opposed by Southerners and led to resentment and resistance.

What did the term 'Invisible Empire of the South' refer to?

It was a euphemism for the Ku Klux Klan, which operated in secrecy and used terror tactics.

What was the significance of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments?

They aimed to secure rights for freed slaves, but ultimately did not address women's suffrage.

What was the primary goal of the Radical Republicans in Congress?

To implement a Reconstruction plan that would secure civil rights and political power for freed blacks.