Chapter 16: Reconstruction

“Radical Republicans": People who emerged after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination (Ex: Thaddeus Steve, George Sumner). These two people go against Andrew Johnson

1865 Civil Rights Act: Guarantees certain rights for African Americans

Vetoed Bill by Andrew Johnson, Overridden by Senate

14th Amendment: Ratified by the states, but did not have confederates in office. Explained that all American citizens have natural rights, and no one can abridge the laws protecting natural rights. This removes the Black Code. No one can have governmental roles if you have connections to Southern racial injustice.

Mid-term Election of 1866: The “Radical Republicans” have 2/3 of the Congress.

Congressional Reconstruction

Reconstruction Act of 1867: Sets military rule in 5 military district (NC, SC, GA, FL, ALA, ARK, MISS, TEXAS)

If you want back in the US, you must ratify the 14th Amendment into state constitution, which this protects African Americans.

15th Amendment: Universal manhood suffrage, all males can vote

Women?: no ☹

Carpet baggers: People from the North go to the South to help with reconstruction.

Scalawags: These people come from the South to the North in order to help with reconstruction.

Ku Klux Klan: These people rise out of Reconstruction aswell.

The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson

Veto proof Congress

Johnson’s Cabinet: Inherited from Abraham of Lincoln, Johnson hates Stanton. When Johnson takes control of Cabinet, he is most likely going to fire someone in the cabinet.

Tenure of Office Act: You can’t fire a Cabinet member without permission from Congress.

Johnson then dismisses Sec. Stanton, which leads to Congress starting papers in order to impeach a president.

Impeachment: Go to a trial, but he escapes removal of office by 1 vote.

Death of Reconstruction:

Election of 1876:

  • Samuel Tilden (Democrat) vs Rutherford B. Hayes (Republican)

  • Tilden 250,000 more popular votes (One short of Majority in Electoral College)

  • 20 Electoral votes disputed (FI, SC, LA, OR)

Compromise of 1877

Electoral Commission

  • 5 Key Members, and they vote along party line

  • Hayes was given the election

  • This leads to the threat of another Civil War

Compromise is struck

  • Hayes given election

  • Military rule ends

  • Reconstruction ENDS