us history rebuilding the gov

The Civil War caused devastation in the U.S., affecting families and leaving significant damage.
Reconstruction refers to the period (1865-1877) focused on restoring the Union and addressing the aftermath of the Civil War.
Key questions emerged post-war:
- How to reunite the states under one government?
- How to prevent the causes of war from recurring?
- Should former Confederate leaders face punishment?
- What are the rights of the 3.5 million freedmen?
The U.S. government played a pivotal role during this time, leading former Confederate states to establish new governments.

The Reconstruction discussions began before the Civil War ended, focusing on how to reunite the nation.
President Lincoln proposed a quick re-entry for Southern states to foster healing; however, Radical Republicans wanted punitive measures against the South.
The U.S. Constitution lacked clear guidelines on handling secession, leading to debates over who would manage Reconstruction policies (Congress vs. President).
Key constitutional issues included:
- Punishment for Confederate leaders
- Financial responsibilities for war damages
Disagreements over these issues complicated Reconstruction efforts without clear constitutional directives.

The conflict over Reconstruction plans emerged with the Wade-Davis Bill in 1864, which proposed stricter requirements than Lincoln's plan.
Lincoln's plan (10% of voters took an oath of loyalty) contrasted with Wade and Davis, who required a majority (over 50%) to swear loyalty and uphold equality for freedmen.
The Wade-Davis Bill passed but was pocket-vetoed by Lincoln, angering Radical Republicans.

After Lincoln's assassination, Vice President Andrew Johnson took over, supporting a lenient reconstruction approach similar to Lincoln's.
Johnson offered amnesty for loyalty oaths and required states to:
- Outlaw slavery (13th Amendment)
- Repudiate war debts
- Abandon secession.
Presidential Reconstruction lasted from 1865 to 1867, with many Southern states quickly forming new governments, but many former Confederate officials returned to power, angering Radical Republicans.

Southern states implemented Black Codes to limit freedmen's rights, prompting concern from Radical Republicans.
1866 elections saw Republicans gaining majority in Congress, allowing them to override Johnson's vetoes.
Key legislation included the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which established citizenship and equal rights for all born in the U.S. (except Native Americans).
The Reconstruction Act of 1867 was passed to enforce military rule and disqualify former Confederates from voting.

Key aspects of Radical Reconstruction:
- Invalidating state governments from Presidential Reconstruction
- Division of the South into five military districts
- Requirement to ratify the 14th and later 15th Amendments
- Disqualification of former Confederates from political participation.
The 14th Amendment ensured citizenship and equal protection under the law, aiming to end Black Codes.
The 15th Amendment protected voting rights but did not address women's suffrage, disappointing female activists.

As states fulfilled requirements, federal troops began withdrawing, diminishing federal enforcement of Reconstruction policies.
Resentment towards Northern control grew in the South, leading to the 1872 Amnesty Act that allowed many former Confederates to vote again.
The 1876 presidential election between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel Tilden led to disputes in three Southern states due to voter fraud accusations, resulting in the Compromise of 1877.
This compromise allowed Hayes to assume the presidency in exchange for the withdrawal of federal troops, effectively ending Reconstruction and returning control to Southern Democrats.

Despite the 15th Amendment granting voting rights to former male slaves, Southern states enacted laws that created barriers to voting, such as poll taxes. These measures limited the political participation of freedmen and reinforced the power of local white Democrats.