Reconstruction defined- period of time immediately after the civil war. Tried to address the
question of readmitting southern states back into the union. Lots of different answers.
Abraham Lincoln- had a peaceful, moderate plan.
Ten percent plan- created by Lincoln. Southerners could reinstate themselves as U.S. citizens
by taking a loyalty oath. States could set up their governments when 10% of those who voted in
1860 took the oath. Also had to recognize freedom of slaves and promote black education.
John Wilkes Booth- assassinated Abraham Lincoln. He was a famous actor and confederate
sympathizer outraged by abolition. Not a southerner.
Our American cousin- the play Lincoln was watching when he was assassinated.
Andrew Johnson- vice president who took over after Lincoln’s death. Removed the 10% clause.
Hated oligarchy, alienated everyone. Impeached by Republicans after he was accused of
dismissing the secretary of war without consent of the senate. Acquitted in May 1868.
13th amendment- abolished slavery. Ratified by all southern states by December 1865. Freed
all enslaved people in the U.S.
Black codes- passed by southern governments in an attempt to subjugate freedmen and
preserve slavery as closely as possible. Blacks were not allowed to bear arms, and could only
have jobs in farming or domestic service.
Freedmen’s bureau- originally created to care for refugees but now had the responsibility of
protecting the black population.
14th amendment- submitted to the southern states in 1886, but rejected. Radical measure that
gave blacks political rights. Expanded the definition of citizenship; all people born or naturalized
in the U.S. are citizens. Attacked black codes by guaranteeing all citizens due process and
equal protection. Tried to force southern states to allow black votes by reducing representation
in congress if they denied votes to black men. Women were offended they weren’t included.
First reconstruction act- happened in march 1867. Coercive acts were taken because southern
states wouldn’t accept the 14th amendment. Divided the south into 5 military districts controlled
by a general with orders to protect the civil rights of all, preserve order, and oversee the
administration of justice. To get rid of military rule, southern states needed to give blacks the
right to vote, disenfranchise ex-confederates, and ratify the 14th amendment.
15th amendment- forbidding states to deny the right to vote on account of race, color, or
previous condition of servitude.
Ulysses S. Grant- republican candidate. Won the race of 1868 due to black votes.
question of readmitting southern states back into the union. Lots of different answers.
Abraham Lincoln- had a peaceful, moderate plan.
Ten percent plan- created by Lincoln. Southerners could reinstate themselves as U.S. citizens
by taking a loyalty oath. States could set up their governments when 10% of those who voted in
1860 took the oath. Also had to recognize freedom of slaves and promote black education.
John Wilkes Booth- assassinated Abraham Lincoln. He was a famous actor and confederate
sympathizer outraged by abolition. Not a southerner.
Our American cousin- the play Lincoln was watching when he was assassinated.
Andrew Johnson- vice president who took over after Lincoln’s death. Removed the 10% clause.
Hated oligarchy, alienated everyone. Impeached by Republicans after he was accused of
dismissing the secretary of war without consent of the senate. Acquitted in May 1868.
13th amendment- abolished slavery. Ratified by all southern states by December 1865. Freed
all enslaved people in the U.S.
Black codes- passed by southern governments in an attempt to subjugate freedmen and
preserve slavery as closely as possible. Blacks were not allowed to bear arms, and could only
have jobs in farming or domestic service.
Freedmen’s bureau- originally created to care for refugees but now had the responsibility of
protecting the black population.
14th amendment- submitted to the southern states in 1886, but rejected. Radical measure that
gave blacks political rights. Expanded the definition of citizenship; all people born or naturalized
in the U.S. are citizens. Attacked black codes by guaranteeing all citizens due process and
equal protection. Tried to force southern states to allow black votes by reducing representation
in congress if they denied votes to black men. Women were offended they weren’t included.
First reconstruction act- happened in march 1867. Coercive acts were taken because southern
states wouldn’t accept the 14th amendment. Divided the south into 5 military districts controlled
by a general with orders to protect the civil rights of all, preserve order, and oversee the
administration of justice. To get rid of military rule, southern states needed to give blacks the
right to vote, disenfranchise ex-confederates, and ratify the 14th amendment.
15th amendment- forbidding states to deny the right to vote on account of race, color, or
previous condition of servitude.
Ulysses S. Grant- republican candidate. Won the race of 1868 due to black votes.
