Overview
This lecture covers Radical (Congressional) Reconstruction from 1867–1872, including key laws, amendments, the impeachment of President Johnson, and resulting social and political changes in the South.
Reconstruction Plans
- Three main plans for Reconstruction: Lincoln's plan, Johnson's plan, and Congress's (Radical) plan.
- Lincoln's plan was not enacted due to his assassination.
- Johnson's plan allowed Southern states to rejoin the Union with minimal requirements.
- Congress's Radical Reconstruction focused on punishing the South and protecting rights of former slaves.
Military Reconstruction Act of 1867
- Divided the South into five military districts, each led by a Union general with troops.
- Southern states required to ratify the 14th Amendment to reenter the Union.
- Law was vetoed by President Johnson but Congress overrode the veto.
Impeachment of President Johnson
- Johnson continuously vetoed Congress’s Reconstruction measures and supported white supremacy.
- Congress passed the Tenure of Office Act requiring Senate approval to remove cabinet members.
- Johnson violated the Act and was impeached but avoided removal from office by one vote.
Reconstruction Amendments
- 13th Amendment: Abolished slavery.
- 14th Amendment: Granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to former slaves.
- 15th Amendment: Granted voting rights to all men regardless of race.
Expansion of Rights & Political Change
- Black men in the South gained the right to vote and hold public office for the first time.
- Union Leagues and northern political bodies supported Republican governments in the South.
- Significant numbers of African Americans elected to local and state offices.
Backlash & Resistance
- Southern opponents labeled Reconstruction governments as “negro misrule” and accused them of corruption.
- Democrats sought to “redeem” Southern states by regaining control and overturning Reconstruction reforms.
- Violence and vigilante groups increased as part of the backlash.
- Films like "The Birth of a Nation" later promoted a negative view of Reconstruction and glorified vigilante groups like the KKK.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Radical Reconstruction — Congressional plan enforcing civil rights in the South through military districts.
- Impeachment — The process of charging and possibly removing a sitting president.
- Tenure of Office Act — Law requiring the president to get Senate approval before dismissing cabinet members.
- Union Leagues — Political organizations that mobilized black voters and supported Republicans.
- Universal Manhood Suffrage — Voting rights for all men, regardless of race.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments and their impacts.
- Prepare to learn about the rise and impact of groups like the Ku Klux Klan in the next section.