The period following the American Civil War, known as the Reconstruction Era, was marked by significant political and social changes. President Andrew Johnson's tenure was fraught with conflict, particularly his clashes with Congress over civil rights legislation, which led to an impeachment process that narrowly failed.
Lead to Johnson's Impeachment Process, which
failed by one vote
Radical Reconstruction
Believed Blacks were able to have the same political rights as whites.
Believed Confederate leaders should be punished for their role
in the Civil War.
Amendments
13th Amendment: Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime
14th Amendment: grants citizenship to everyone born in the U.S. and subject to its jurisdiction and protects civil and political liberties
15th Amendment: states: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”
Johnson Plan
Gave South a free hand in transitioning from Slavery to Freedom
Southerners created governments and Black Codes to where they could still disenfranchise African Americans after the war.
Lincoln Assassination
Came as a direct result for ending slavery.
Johnson became President.
Lincoln 10% Plan
Southern States could be readmitted
into the Union once 10% of voters
swore allegiance.