Reconstruction Era Study Guide Flashcards

Flashcards covering essential topics, figures, legislation, and timelines of the Reconstruction Era (1865-1877) aligned with standards USII.2 and USII.3.

What was the primary focus of the Reconstruction period (1865-1877)?

Rebuilding the South, integrating formerly enslaved people into society, and redefining citizenship and civil rights.

Who assassinated Abraham Lincoln and when did it occur?

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in April 1865 by John Wilkes Booth.

Which three major events occurred in 1865 according to the Reconstruction timeline?

Lincoln was assassinated, the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, and the Freedmen's Bureau was created.

What major federal act was passed in 1866?

Civil Rights Act of 1866.

Which events in 1876 and 1877 brought an end to Reconstruction?

The Election of Hayes and the Compromise of 1877.

What did the 13th Amendment (1865) accomplish?

Abolished slavery.

What guarantees were established by the 14th Amendment in 1868?

Granted citizenship and equal protection under the law.

What right was protected by the 15th Amendment in 1870?

Gave African American men (Black men) the right to vote.

What was the purpose of the Freedmen's Bureau?

Helped formerly enslaved people with education, jobs, and housing.

What were the key points of Abraham Lincoln's Ten Percent Plan?

10% loyalty oath, quick reentry for Southern states, and forgiveness.

Who proposed the Wade-Davis Bill, what did it require, and what was its result?

Proposed by Congress, it required a 50% loyalty oath and strict terms, but was vetoed by Abraham Lincoln.

What were the characteristics of Andrew Johnson's Reconstruction Plan and Congress's reaction to it?

It was lenient and allowed ex-Confederates; Congress opposed it.

What main actions characterized Radical Reconstruction pushed by Congress?

Military rule in the South and enforcement of the rights of freedmen.

How did Abraham Lincoln reframe the Civil War through the Gettysburg Address?

He reframed the war as a fight for equality and unity.

What was Andrew Johnson's presidential role and what key event happened to him in 1868?

He became the 17th President after Lincoln's assassination, opposed Radical Republicans' Reconstruction policies, and was impeached in 1868.

What was Ulysses S. Grant's role during the Civil War and as the 18th President?

He was a Union General who led the North to victory, supported Reconstruction and Civil Rights, and enforced Reconstruction Amendments.

Where did Robert E. Lee surrender in 1865, and what was his post-war focus?

Surrendered at Appomattox in 1865 and later promoted national reconciliation and post-war unity.

Who was Hiram Revels?

First African American U.S. Senator.

What were the accomplishments and legacy of Frederick Douglass during the Reconstruction Era?

Formerly enslaved abolitionist leader, advisor to Lincoln and Grant, advocate for the 14th and 15th Amendments, and a voice for equality and civil rights.

How are Carpetbaggers defined in the Reconstruction context?

Northerners who moved South to gain from Reconstruction.

How are Scalawags defined in the Reconstruction context?

Southern whites who supported Reconstruction and Republican policies.

How did the Supreme Court impact Reconstruction policies over time?

The Supreme Court influenced Reconstruction policies through rulings that weakened protections over time.