Reconstruction in U.S. History

These flashcards cover critical concepts and events related to the Reconstruction era in American history, addressing social, political, and economic themes.

What was the key belief of Abraham Lincoln regarding the Southern states during Reconstruction?

Lincoln believed the Southern states could not constitutionally leave the Union.

Who attempted to continue Lincoln's Reconstruction plan after his assassination?

Andrew Johnson.

What was Lincoln's Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction?

A plan for political reconstruction offering pardons to Confederates who took an oath of loyalty and accepted emancipation.

What was the Wade-Davis Bill?

A Congressional plan requiring 50% of voters in a state to take a loyalty oath for reestablishment of the state government.

What was the Freedmen’s Bureau?

An agency created to provide food, shelter, and medical aid to Black and White Americans affected by the Civil War.

What was a major success of the Freedmen’s Bureau?

Establishing nearly 3,000 schools for freedpeople and teaching 200,000 African Americans to read.

What was Andrew Johnson's approach to Reconstruction?

He sought to quickly reintegrate Southern states and granted many pardons, leading to former Confederates back in power.

Which two bills did Andrew Johnson veto that were aimed at protecting freedmen?

An expansion of the Freedmen's Bureau and a Civil Rights Bill.

What was the significance of the Thirteenth Amendment?

It abolished slavery in the United States.

What did the Fourteenth Amendment declare?

It defined U.S. citizenship and required states to provide equal protection and due process under the law.

What did the Fifteenth Amendment guarantee?

It prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

What were Black Codes?

Laws passed by Southern states that restricted the rights of African Americans after the Civil War.

What economic system emerged in the South after the Civil War that exploited poor Black farmers?

Sharecropping.

What was the primary outcome of the 1872 Amnesty Act?

It removed restrictions on most ex-Confederates, allowing them to vote and regain power.

What was the Compromise of 1877?

An agreement that ended Reconstruction by withdrawing federal troops from the South in exchange for the presidency for Rutherford B. Hayes.

Who were the Radical Republicans?

Members of the Republican Party who advocated for civil rights for Black citizens and harsher Reconstruction policies.

What role did women play during the Reconstruction period?

Women took on new responsibilities, worked in various jobs, and became involved in the suffrage movement.

What was the significance of the Election of 1866?

It resulted in a Congressional majority for Republicans, who then advanced their Reconstruction agenda.

How did Andrew Johnson's impeachment reflect tensions during Reconstruction?

His impeachment was a result of conflicts with Congress over his lenient approach to Reconstruction.

What event led to the establishment of the Ku Klux Klan?

The Republican control of Southern states, leading to a backlash among White supremacists.

What was the impact of the Panic of 1873 on Reconstruction efforts?

It diverted attention from Southern injustices and weakened support for Reconstruction.

What did the Civil Rights Act of 1866 achieve?

It granted citizenship to all African Americans and attempted to protect them from Black Codes.

Who was Hiram Revels?

The first African American to serve in the U.S. Senate.

What was Ulysses S. Grant’s role in Reconstruction?

He was elected president in 1868 and supported measures for African American rights.

What impact did the Court’s decisions have on the Fourteenth Amendment?

They limited federal protections of civil rights, which weakened the amendment's initial intent.

Which institution provided education opportunities for freedmen during Reconstruction?

Freedmen's Bureau schools.

What was the primary goal of education for freedmen?

To learn to read and write and attain independence.

What group opposed the rights of African Americans during Reconstruction?

Southern Democrats and White supremacist organizations.

What did the term 'scalawags' refer to?

Southern Whites who supported Republican governments during Reconstruction.

Who were 'carpetbaggers'?

Northerners who moved to the South after the war, often for political and economic opportunities.

What did the Radical Republicans aim to achieve through military rule in the South?

To ensure civil rights for African Americans and reshape Southern society.

What were the long-term implications of Reconstruction for Black Americans?

Despite initial gains, systemic oppression and disenfranchisement continued for generations.

What was the effect of the 15th Amendment on women's suffrage advocates?

It disappointed many who fought for both African American and women's voting rights, as it only included men.

What significant political event occurred in the election of 1876?

A disputed election that led to the Compromise of 1877.

What were the consequences of the removal of federal troops in the South post-Reconstruction?

It allowed Southern White Democrats to regain control and enforce discriminatory laws.

Who were the 'redeemers'?

Southern conservative leaders who sought to regain power after Reconstruction and restore White supremacy.

What did Frederick Douglass mean when he said the wrongs of his people were not ended?

He emphasized that while slavery was abolished, African Americans still faced discrimination and injustice.

What was a consequence of the sharecropping system for African Americans?

Many remained trapped in poverty and dependency on landowners.