Heimler’s History: Reconstruction (AP U.S. History Unit 5)

Overview

• This lecture covers the process of Reconstruction (1865-1877) after the Civil War.
• Focus: Explain the effects of government policy during Reconstruction on society.

Key Questions Post-Civil War

• How should the Confederacy be treated: Leniently or as a conquered foe?
• Different policymakers had varied approaches to Reconstruction based on their answer.

Lincoln’s Ten-Percent Plan

• Belief: The South never legally left the Union.
• Goal: Reintegrate the South to avoid renewed tensions.
• Terms:
  • Reestablish state governments if 10% of 1860 electorate pledged loyalty to the Union.
  • State legislatures must ratify the Thirteenth Amendment (abolishing slavery).
• Outcome: Intended to be lenient and facilitate reunification.
• Lincoln’s Assassination: Assassinated by John Wilkes Booth before implementation.

Andrew Johnson’s Presidency

• Background: Southern Democrat, lacked sympathy for racial equality.
• Action: Attempted to continue Lincoln’s plan but allowed Southern elite to regain power.
• Black Codes: Enacted by Southern states to restrict black freedom and enforce low wages.

Radical Republicans’ Response

• View: South caused massive damages and should face consequences.
• Goals:
  • Extend rights and protections to black people.
  • Prevent Southern resurgence.
• Legislation:
  • Freedman’s Bureau Extension: Aid freed black people.
  • Civil Rights Act of 1866: Protect citizenship and equal protection.

Conflict with Johnson

• Vetoes: Johnson vetoed both the Freedman’s Bureau and the Civil Rights Act.
• Congressional Action: Overrode vetoes with a two-thirds majority.

The Fourteenth Amendment

• Content: Grants citizenship and equal protection of laws to all born/naturalized in the U.S.

Reconstruction Acts of 1867

• Provisions:
  • Southern states divided into five military districts with federal oversight.
  • Increase requirements for rejoining the Union (ratify the 14th Amendment and allow universal male suffrage).

Impeachment of Andrew Johnson

• Reason: Violation of the Tenure of Office Act.
• Outcome: Impeached but not removed; rendered powerless in directing Reconstruction.

Women’s Rights Movement

• Amendments:
  • Thirteenth: Abolished slavery.
  • Fourteenth: Citizenship and equal protection.
  • Fifteenth: Voting rights to black men.
• Response:
  • Women’s rights advocates split over 15th Amendment.
  • National Woman Suffrage Association (NA): Opposed the amendment due to exclusion of women.
  • American Woman Suffrage Association (EEYY): Supported broader Reconstruction while pursuing state-level suffrage.

Conclusion

• This lecture prefaces a further discussion on the end and failure of Reconstruction.
• Reminder to subscribe and watch additional videos for exam preparation.