Notes on Reconstruction and Radical Republicans

Radical Republicans and Reconstruction

Overview of Radical Republicans

  • Believed the Civil War was fought primarily over slavery.
  • Aimed to reconstruct society to guarantee equal rights for freedmen.
  • Proposed a harsher plan for Reconstruction but faced opposition from President Lincoln.

Lincoln's Assassination

  • Lincoln was assassinated at Ford's Theatre, Washington D.C., April 1865.
  • His death created a power vacuum and led to a change in policies regarding Reconstruction.

Andrew Johnson's Entry

  • Following Lincoln's assassination, Andrew Johnson became president.

Johnson’s Reconstruction Plan

  • Pardoned Southerners who pledged allegiance to the Union.
  • States could hold constitutional conventions to respond to federal mandates:
    • Void secession.
    • Abolish slavery.
    • Repudiate Confederate debt.
  • States could then hold elections to rejoin the Union.

Impact of Johnson's Plan

  • Southern states re-entered the Union.
  • Implementation of Black Codes:
    • Curfews restricting movement.
    • Vagrancy laws imposing penalties on homeless individuals.
    • Labor contracts restricting job opportunities for African Americans.
    • Land restrictions preventing land ownership for freedmen.

Shift to Radical Reconstruction

  • Congress asserted control over Reconstruction in response to President Johnson's leniency.
  • Key legislations enacted:
    • Freedmen’s Bureau (1865): Provided federal relief to assist freedmen.
    • Civil Rights Act (1866): Outlawed Black Codes.
    • 14th Amendment: Guaranteed equal protection under the law.
    • Reconstruction Act of 1867: Established military rule in the South and required states to allow all qualified male voters, including African Americans, to participate in elections.

Radical Republicans: Key Figures

Charles Sumner
  • Known for his staunch abolitionist views and advocacy for civil and voting rights for freedmen.
  • Believed in controlling ex-Confederates politically.
Thaddeus Stevens
  • Most powerful Radical Republican, championing the same rights as Sumner.
  • Advocated for viewing the South as U.S. territories.
  • Supported reparations for freedmen, including the concept of "40 acres and a mule."
  • Opposed Johnson’s presidency and policies.

Conflict Between Stevens and Johnson

  • Intense legislative battles as Stevens pressured Johnson over numerous vetoes.
  • Johnson attempted to undermine the congressional power.

Tenure of Office Act

  • Passed to limit Johnson's authority:
    • No Cabinet members could be dismissed without Congressional approval, aimed specifically at Johnson's firing of Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton.

Impeachment of Andrew Johnson

  • February 24, 1868: The House impeached Johnson based on accusations of “high crimes and misdemeanors.”
  • He was acquitted by just one vote in the Senate, avoiding removal from office.

Conclusion

  • The period of Reconstruction was characterized by conflicts between President Johnson and Radical Republicans, notable legislation aimed at civil rights, and the consequences of Lincoln's assassination on the trajectory of the nation.