Overview
This lecture covers Radical Reconstruction (1867-1872), focusing on congressional actions to reshape the South, the impeachment of President Johnson, new constitutional amendments, and the political and social impacts of these changes.
Reconstruction Plans
- There were three main plans: Lincoln's (not used), Johnson's, and Radical (Congressional) Reconstruction.
- Radical Republicans aimed to punish the South and protect rights of former slaves.
- The 1867 Military Reconstruction Act divided the South (excluding states not approving the 14th Amendment) into five military districts.
- Each district was supervised by a Union general with troops to enforce new laws and protect freedmen.
Conflict with President Johnson
- President Johnson vetoed Congressional laws (Freedmen’s Bureau, Civil Rights Act, Reconstruction Act).
- Congress overrode Johnson's vetoes and eventually impeached him using the Tenure of Office Act (he removed a cabinet member without Senate approval).
- Johnson was impeached by the House but acquitted by one vote in the Senate, remaining in office but losing influence.
Reconstruction Amendments
- 13th Amendment abolished slavery.
- 14th Amendment defined citizenship and equal protection under the law.
- 15th Amendment granted voting rights to all men regardless of race (universal manhood suffrage), notably including black men.
Political and Social Changes in the South
- Union troops enforced rights for freed slaves and required the South to ratify the 14th Amendment.
- Black men were elected to political offices, including the U.S. Senate (e.g., Blanche K. Bruce, Hiram Revels).
- Union Leagues (northern political organizations) supported black political participation, leading to Republican dominance in Southern governments.
Reaction and Backlash
- Southern opponents called Reconstruction governments “negro misrule” and accused them of corruption (common in the era).
- Southern Democrats sought “redemption”—restoring Democratic rule and overturning Reconstruction by political and violent means.
- Vigilante groups and propaganda reframed Reconstruction as oppressive, influencing interpretations in media like the film The Birth of a Nation.
Women's Suffrage Debate
- 15th Amendment renewed debate over women’s voting rights, dividing the movement.
- Some, like Stanton and Anthony, opposed the amendment for excluding women; others like Frederick Douglass supported it as progress.
- The National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) continued to fight for women's voting rights (not granted nationally until 1920).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Radical Reconstruction — Congressional plan to reshape the South, enforce rights for freedmen, and punish former Confederates.
- Military Reconstruction Act — Law dividing the South into five military districts under Union control.
- Impeachment — Process to remove the president from office.
- Tenure of Office Act — Law requiring Senate approval for presidential dismissal of cabinet members.
- Universal Manhood Suffrage — Voting rights for all adult men regardless of race.
- Union Leagues — Northern-led political organizations supporting black political activity in the South.
- Redemption — Southern Democratic effort to end Reconstruction and restore pre-war power structures.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the three Reconstruction amendments (13th, 14th, 15th).
- Prepare for discussion: effects of Radical Reconstruction on the South and ongoing debates over suffrage.
- Next section: Learn about vigilante groups and their impact on Reconstruction.