Reconstruction * Flashcards
What was the impact of Civil War?
At the end of the Civil War, the South was devastated. Union soldiers and refugees roamed the South with rebellious states under military jurisdiction. Conversely, in the North while industry relying on the South such as cotton textiles suffered, ammunition and military uniform industry boomed and protective tariffs were placed on exports. The Republican Party encouraged self improvement of the poor.
On 15th April 1865 who became president and what were his beliefs?
Andrew Johnson - 17th president.
Tennessee Governor in May 1862, supported Bush after watching it secede from Union.
Opposed Emancipation Proclamation.
Plans for reconstruction months after Civil War, no waiting for Congress to reconvene. Republicans feared radical South return, wanting them barred from politics and slave freedom. Amnesty to Southerners and entrance to state assembly allowed if gave Oath to Union and voted for 13th Amendment to ban slavery.
What did Johnson fail to do to persecute the South?
All property was to be returned except slaves.
He employed people unsympathetic to the civil rights cause.
Military advisors and those with plantation over $20,000 were exempt from the Oath.
His plan benefitted the South, in 1863 he even said ‘I am for this Government with slavery under the Constitution as it is.’
He pardoned 13,000 rebels.
He abandoned charging with treason and allowed Southern politicians and army officers to resume their careers.
Failed to implement the policy of excluding rich planters from office to reduce influence. Individuals could petition for pardon for supporting the rebel cause and hold positions in state assemblies.
Failed to force state assemblies to ratify 13th amendment.
What codes in the South were Republicans horrified by?
When Southern politicians met, they resisted almost all conditions for re-entry. Radical Republicans in the North were horrified by Black Codes restricting freed slaves from serving on jury, providing evidence against a white person, marrying a white person, and carrying arms.
Black Codes only allowed black people to own property, draw up contracts, sue in court, attend school, and enter legal marriage.
They were supposed to provide freedom and economic security for plantation owners, but the North found Black Codes new slavery.
How did slaves re-enter the grips of plantation owners?
Many freed slaves were restricted to employment they could get, in hopes of limiting their power. Many re-entered labor contracts with their former owners and some became vagrants, and were fined. Those who couldn’t pay had to work for plantation owners.
How did Johnson fail to extend the franchise?
Johnson and Federal Government failed to extend the franchise. They argued that black people should at least be able to write their names and read the Constitution, alongside owning estates at no less than 250 dollars.
What Republican groups were there and in December 1865 how did they unite at Congress?
Radical Republicans led by Thaddeus Stevens wanted immediate extension of civil rights to black people while moderates wanted graduate reform. Conservative Republicans wanted a definition of the position of black people between slaves and equal with full citizenship.
Republicans of all different groups united against Johnson. Held Congress and refused to allow Southern democrats to take their seats, trying to destroy Black Codes.
What was the Freedman’s Bureau, March 1865?
Protected freed slaves. In 1866 a Supplementary Freedman’s Bureau was established to last for 3 years before Congress, dealing with disputes between former slaves and their owners as a consequence of forced labour contracts from the Black Codes. Originally supposed to be a temporary institution. Johnson failed to veto.
What was the 1866 Fourteenth Amendment?
Enforced that anyone born or naturalised in the US had rights to full citizenship and equality under the law, all citizens to be protected from discrimination. Southern states who refused to allow voting for male citizens would receive less representation in Congress. Southern states opposed this Federal government intervention and only Tennessee ratified it.
What was the result for the Republicans of the 14th Amendment?
Republicans were united and in 1866 elections gained landslide victory with a larger position in the Senate and House of Representatives. Johnson refused to support it.
What was the Military Reconstruction Act?
Between 1867-8 Reconstruction Acts were passed with Johnson overruled by Congress. In March 1867 the Military Reconstruction Act was passed which divided the South into five military districts with states having to draw up their own constitutions giving black people the vote for re-entry and those pardoned losing voting rights. Johnson replaced military advisors with those unsympathetic to civil rights.
Grant became President in 1869. What is his overview?
Ulysses S Grant becomes US President having been a civil war hero and wanting to promote civil rights, but unable to prevent the rise of the KKK. Ratified 15th Amendment in 1870 and was elected again in 1872 but associated with scandals and corruption.
What was the Fifteenth Amendment?
In 1870 the Fifteenth Amendment was made, making states unable to deny people the vote on grounds of race, colour, or former servitude, but this didn’t stop voter qualifications and faced Democrat opposition.
What was the Civil Rights Act, 1875, and how did it end?
Civil Rights Act banned segregation in public places excluding schools. However, Grant began to abandon repressive policies towards Southern States.
In 1876 election, Southern states tried to discriminate against those voting Republican by discriminating in jobs, housing, and land tenancies. South Carolina, Louisiana, and Florida were all disputed in election for Republican victory and so in 1883 Supreme Court abandoned the Act claiming that it disrupted personal state freedom.
What impact did citizens have on Reconstruction?
Southerners exerted influence on the actions of Southern states, such as through putting pressure to implement voting laws and the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan and lynchings. Hostility made it hard for African Americans to lead fulfilling lives.
