The Politics of Reconstruction

Flashcards created to help review key concepts and events from the lecture on the Politics of Reconstruction.

What was the time period of the Reconstruction era?

1865-1877

What were the three main questions regarding Confederate states during Reconstruction?

1. How to readmit them? 2. Should they be punished? 3. Do we forgive and forget?

What was Lincoln's approach to Reconstruction?

It was lenient and aimed at making readmission quick.

What was the Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction?

A plan where full pardons would be issued to Southerners who took an oath of allegiance to the Union and accepted emancipation.

What percentage of voters were required to take a loyalty oath under Lincoln's plan for state readmission?

10% of the voters.

What was the Wade-Davis Bill?

A proposal that required a majority of 1860 voting list to take a loyalty oath for state readmission.

Who proposed the Wade-Davis Bill?

Radical Republicans who wanted a harsher Reconstruction.

What was a significant result of Lincoln's pocket veto of the Wade-Davis Bill?

The bill failed to become law.

What was President Andrew Johnson's approach to Reconstruction?

He followed Lincoln's 10% Plan.

How long did it take for all former Confederate states to be readmitted under the Presidential Reconstruction plan?

8 months.

What were the main criticisms of Johnson's Reconstruction plan?

It did not address the needs of former slaves regarding land, voting rights, and legal protections.

What did the Civil Rights Act of 1868 aim to do?

Protect the basic civil rights of freed slaves.

What was the purpose of the Freedmen's Bureau?

To assist African-Americans by distributing clothing and food, and creating hospitals and schools.

What did the 14th Amendment guarantee?

Prohibited states from depriving citizens of life, liberty, and property without due process, and guaranteed equal protection under the law.

Who did the 14th Amendment establish as citizens?

Those born in the US.

What did the 15th Amendment prohibit?

The denial of the right to vote based on race.

What was the intended outcome of the 15th Amendment for Black Americans?

To grant them the right to vote.

What did Southern states have to do to be readmitted to the Union?

Ratify the 14th and 15th Amendments.

What were the Reconstruction Acts?

Legislation that divided the South into military districts and established steps for Confederate re-admission.

How many military districts were created by the Reconstruction Acts?

Five military districts.

What made the Reconstruction Acts more challenging than Lincoln's 10% Plan?

They implemented more stringent requirements for state readmission.

What was the goal of the Congressional Reconstruction?

To enforce civil rights and suffrage for African Americans.

What did the Freedmen's Bureau focus on apart from distributing food?

Creating hospitals and teacher training schools.

Why were Radicals upset with President Johnson's plan?

It did not adequately protect the rights of former slaves.

What was a major outcome of Congress overriding Johnson's vetoes?

The Civil Rights Act and the Freedmen's Bureau were enacted despite his objections.

What was the relationship between the Reconstruction era and voting rights for African Americans?

It aimed to provide African Americans with the right to vote.