The Problem of Peace Civil War had been very costly and the South had largely been destroyed Southern cities were burnt and slaves were freed still many Southerners remained defiant If the South was to recover economically how would that happen under the current circumstances ID: 632555
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Slide1
The Ordeal of Reconstruction
The Problem of Peace
Civil War had been very costly and the South had largely been destroyed.
Southern cities were burnt and slaves were freed still many Southerners remained defiant.
If the South was to recover economically how would that happen under the current circumstances?Slide2
Freedmen Define Freedom
What would become of the former slaves?
At first, confusion reigned as blacks were often freed and re-enslaved multiple times
Ultimately, many former slaves took to the road to find work or family members
The Church became the focus of the black communitySlide3
The Freedman’s Bureau
The Freedman’s Bureau was set up on March 3, 1865 in order to train unskilled and illiterate former slaves.
It was headed by Union General O.O. Howard later founder of Howard University
200,000 former slaves learned how to read and write
Expired in 1872 in the face of continuing discrimination.Slide4
Problems of Reconstruction
Most slaves were poor and illiterate because their former owners kept them in this state.
They knew mostly farming but owned little or no land.Literacy and training necessary
What could the government do for the Freedmen? Slide5
Presidential Reconstruction
Succeeding the martyred Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson came from humble beginnings in Tennessee, “The Tailor President”.
He was known for his tough nature and short temper. Not a member of Southern Elite
Champion of State’s Rights & ConstitutionSlide6
Presidential Reconstruction
Lincoln believed South had never legally seceded.
Put forth 10% Plan if ten percent of voters swore an oath to the Union and also acknowledge Emancipation Proclamation and 13
th
Amendment Slide7
Presidential Reconstruction
Radical Republicans felt the South needed to be punished for causing the war.
Wade –Davis Plan called for a 50% oath and stronger protections for abolition of slavery.
Lincoln pocket vetoed Wade –Davis
Moderate & Radical Republicans now evident in Congress. Johnson didn’t have the popularity of Lincoln to pass 10% Plan.Slide8
The Baleful Black Codes
In order to control freed Blacks , many Southern states passed Black Codes, laws aimed at keeping the Black population working in traditional occupations.
Some were more harsh than others but all subjugated violators to fines and punishments.
Many wondered if the North had won the Civil War.Slide9
Congressional Reconstruction
I
n December 1865, many Southern States sent delegations to be reintegrated into the Union which included many ex-confederates.
Northern Republicans slammed the doors in their face and refused to allow them to be re-seated.
During the war, with so many Democrats gone, Republicans had passed a number of acts including the Morrill Tariff, the Pacific Railroad Act and the Homestead Act.
With the abolition of slavery, Blacks now counted as full people for purposes of representation. This could give the South a great advantage in Congress, especially if white southern democrats could prevent blacks from voting for republicans . On December 6, 1865 Johnson declared that the Southern states had satisfied conditions for readmission and that the Union was restored.Slide10
Congressional Reconstruction
Republicans gained a veto proof majority in Congress but Johnson often defied them with a veto, i.e.. Freedman’s Bureau extension & the Civil Rights Bill.
14
th Amendment passed protecting civil rights and prevented former confederates from holding office.Slide11
Radical Reconstruction
Election of 1866 Johnson campaigned against Republican candidates. Effort backfired and Republicans had more power than ever.
Charles Sumner led Republicans in the Senate
Thaddeus Stevens led the HouseSlide12
Military Reconstruction
The Reconstruction Act of March 2, 1867 divided the South into five military districts.
Disenfranchised many southerners (former confederates)
Laid down new guidelines for the readmission of states
13th,14
th
& 15 Amendments needed to be accepted by states banning slavery, protecting citizenship and voting rights for males.
Ex
Parte
Milligan 1866: Supreme Court ruled that military tribunals were not allowed to try civilians if civil courts were available.
By 1870, all of the states had complied but it wasn’t until 1877 that the last troops were withdrawn from LA and SC & home rule was restored. In the Election of 1876 there was a tie in the electoral voting. As a compromise the Republican candidate, Rutherford B. Hayes became president and they agreed that Reconstruction should end.
Women were excluded from voting. Slide13
Military Reconstruction 1866-1870
Reconstruction government’s present during this period with first former slaves elected to national office such as Hiram Revels and Blanche K. Bruce, both of Mississippi.Slide14
The Ku Klux Klan
Formed in 1866 in Tennessee the “Invisible Empire of the South” or the KKK was created by whites to attempt to maintain control of political power and their labor supply (freedmen)
Frequently used terror (midnight rides, lynching, burning crosses) in a campaign of intimidation
In response, Congress passed the Force Acts of 1870 and 1871 which authorized the use of military force against the KKK.Slide15
Johnson Impeached
Radical Republicans decided to try and get rid of President Johnson.
In 1867, the passed the Tenure of Office Act which required consent of the Senate before the president could remove one of his appointees approved by the Senate. This was intended to keep a Lincoln appointee Edwin M. Stanton in office.
Johnson was impeached in the House but survived by seven votes in the Senate. Some politicians were cautious about using the impeachment process as it could become too common. Slide16
Seward Purchases Alaska
In 1867, Secretary of State William H. Seward purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million.
Most people at the time considered it to be “Seward’s Folly”. Only later when gold and oil were discovered did Seward’s purchase gain popularity. Slide17
Heritage of Reconstruction
Many Southerners regarded Reconstruction as worse than the war itself. They resented the upending of their social and racial system.
Republicans began with the best of intentions but ultimately Blacks would have to wait another century before substantial new progress was achieved in the 1950’s and 1960’s.