The policies of Reconstruction Flashcards
What did RECONSTRUCTION involve?
- It involved ______ the southern states
- Setting up new _____ to replace those based on ______
- It began ______ under ______, and continued by ____ and ____
- Also involved the _______ of slaves
What did RECONSTRUCTION involve?
- It involved reintegrating the southern states
- Setting up new social structures to replace those based on slavery
- It began during the civil war under Lincoln, and continued by Johnson and Grant
- Also involved the emancipation of slaves
What was the Freedmens Bureau, and what yet was it set up?
- Set up by LINCOLN for just a year in 1865 to help former slaves eg education, work etc
By 1865 what was Lincoln’s position in reconstruction?
It was not clear. He didn’t want to punish southern states, but seemed to be moving towards giving African Americans equal rights
What were the Black Codes? Give examples
What year?
THE BLACK CODES 1865-1866
A series of racist laws passed by the state legislatures in the south
- Unemployed African Americans may be forced into working for white employers
- Their children may be forced to work on plantations
- They may be prevented from receiving an education
What was the civil rights bill and what year was it passed?
THE CIVIL RIGHTS BILL 1866
The republicans passed a civil rights bill giving minimum rights to African Americans, which President Johnson vetoed
However, for the first time in history, congress overturned a presidential veto so the bill was passed
What did the 14th Amendment state, and what year was it passed?
14TH AMENDMENT 1867
Passed to ensure no future change to the civil rights bill
Stated that…
- Anyone born in the USA was a US citizen
- Citizens guaranteed equality before the law
What bill was passed in 1867 and what did it state?
MILITARY RECONSTRUCTION BILL 1867
Imposed military rule in the south to pressurise them into passing the 14th amendment
In what year was Johnson impeached, and was it successful?
Johnson’s impeachment 1868
Republicans tried to impeach him, but failed to receive 2/3 majority
What did the 15th amendment do?
What year?
THE 15TH AMENDMENT 1869
Gave all American citizens the right to vote, regardless of colour
Describe the two formats of reconstruction
PRESIDENTIAL RECONSTRUCTION
- Driven by the president
RADICAL RECONSTRUCTION
- Driven by republican dominated congress
What was Lincoln’s 10% plan?
What year?
LINCOLNS 10% PLAN 1864
- Stated that the rebel states would be admitted if 10% of their electoral committee agreed to…
- …an oath of allegiance to the USA
- …support all acts of slavery
- …allowed African Americans to vote
The radical republicans were dissatisfied, so created…..
Which…
THE WADE-DAVIS BILL 1865
- Required a 50% vote and to agree to a much tougher oath, and, among other settlements, abolish slavery
- However, it was vetoed by Lincoln, who feared more conflict
What had President Lincoln achieved in reconstruction by 1865?
Give 4 points
LINCOLN:
- Lincoln’s 10% plan, (Wade-Davis Bill), 13th amendment and the Freedmens Bureau
Why was president Johnson criticised?
How successful was his attempt at reconstruction?
- He was criticised for allegedly sharing the racist views of some white southerners
- It was suggested that he had the right ideas and policies, but lacked the ability to carry them out
What did President Johnson achieve in his attempts at reconstruction?
Give 4
JOHNSON:
- Didn’t pass black codes, the civil rights bill (although he did veto it), 14th amendment, military reconstruction bill
