The South after the War

1. The South after the War Reconstruction 1865-1877

2. Reconstruction 1865-1877 5 Major Questions following the Civil War: How to re-build the South? 2) How to bring Southern states back into the United States? 3) How to bring former slaves into the United States as free men and women?

3. 4. Should people who fought against the United State be allowed to become American citizens? Should they be punished? 5. What should be done to southern state governments that fought against the United States?

4. Property losses The value of farms and plantations declined steeply and suffered from neglect and loss of workers. The South’s transportation network was in very poor shape. Challenges for African Americans Had gained freedom, but had no money and little, if any, education. South's poor economy made job prospects bleak.

5. Reconstruction Debate • President Lincoln)and members of Congress had different ideas about how to achieve these goals. • The debate over Reconstruction led to bitter conflicts in the years following the Civil War.

6. Lincoln’s 10% Plan Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction (December 8, 1863) Amnesty • Granting of a pardon to a large number of persons. • Forgiveness for any crimes committed – to those who swore loyalty to the Union • *Only Confederate leaders would not be offered amnesty.*

7. Lincoln’s 10% Plan • Any southern state with at least 10% of its voters making a pledge to be loyal to the U.S. • States also had to accept a ban on slavery. • Only 3 States set up new Gov’ts under Lincolns plan • Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee • Congress was not willing to accept the new states

8. Radical Republicans • Members of Congress believed Lincoln went too easy on the South. • A group of Republicans favored a more radical approach. • These Radicals were very powerful – they controlled Congress • They could – and did – vote to deny entry from those under Lincoln’s Plan.

9. Congress Reconstruction Plan • Wade-Davis Bill • Stated that to rejoin the Union, a state must meet three requirements: • Majority of the state’s white male adults pledge loyalty to the Union. • Only white males who swore they had not fought against the Union could vote for delegates • All new state constitutions had to ban slavery.

10. Lincoln: N to the O • Objected the harshness • Believed gov’ts needed to be established quickly and begin rebuilding • Refused to sign the bill: Pocket Veto • Bill died but… • Lincoln realized he would have to compromise with the Radicals

11. Freedmen’s Bureau • Lincoln & Congress together created to help African Americans adjust to life after slavery • Provided: • Food, clothing, and medical care • Set up schools and helped some get land to farm or find work • Legal protection