Reconstruction – a
VERY quick
overview
By: Mr. Linder
Reconstruction

A Rebuilding of our country

A reunion of our nation

A 2nd chance for the North & South

How to do it?
Lincoln’s Plan




Re-unite Nation quickly (ASAP)
10% Plan (Lincoln’s Plan)
Offered Southerners amnesty (pardon) for all
illegal acts regarding the rebellion
To receive amnesty – must do 2 things:



Swear an oath of loyalty to the U.S.
Agree that slavery was illegal
13th Amendment Passed Jan. 31st 1865 – Slavery
is now illegal according to the constitution!
10 % Plan Continued

Once 10% of a state made these pledges,
they could form a new government & be readmitted to the Union.

Louisiana was 1st!
Wade Davis Bill – VETOED!






Wanted harsher punishment on South.
State had to ban slavery
The majority of adult males in the state had to take an oath
to the U.S.
Only southerners who swore that they had never
supported the Confederacy could vote or hold office.
Made it harder for southern states to re-join Union.
Lincoln Vetoed Bill!
Freedman’s Bureau



In 1865 – Lincoln created the Freedman’s
Bureau
An agency providing relief for freed people
/ and poor people of the south.
Helped establish more schools, jobs,
homes, and medical care for blacks in the
South
Lincoln Assassinated!




April 14th – 1865 in Ford’s Theater
War ended April 9th – 1865!
Andrew Johnson (VP) becomes President
He was a former slave holder (Democrat)
Johnson’s Plan





Appointed temp. governor in each state.
States need to revise their Constitutions
Voters elect state and federal representatives
New state government had to declare secession illegal
Had to ratify 13th Amendment! (NO Slavery)
Black Codes / Jim Crow Laws




Southern States started passing “Black Codes” or
Jim Crow Laws
Black Codes / Jim Crow Laws – laws that greatly
limited the freedom of African Americans. (targets
African Americans)
Basically creating legalized slavery
(pg 518)
Example – KKK (Ku Klux Klan) – Formed by
Nathan Bedford Forrest
Radical Republicans



Republicans who were VERY angry about
the Black Codes.
Most moderate republicans thought that
African Americans should have the same
rights as citizens.
Radical Republicans wanted the federal
government to force change on the South
Radical Republicans - Continued



Want economic and political justice for the
South.
Urged that racial inequality is illegal!
1866 – Congress passed the 14th
Amendment.
14th Amendment






Identified all people born or naturalized with the
U.S. except Native Americans, as citizens.
Citizens have equal protection under the law
States cannot deprive anyone of “Life, Liberty, or
Property without due process of law.
Banned former Confederate officials from public
office.
Made state laws subject to federal court review.
Gave Congress the power to pass any laws
needed to enforce it.
15th Amendment

African Americans gain the right to vote –
1869.