Presentation Transcript

1. Johnson’s Plan For Reconstruction

2. Johnson as President Pardons all rebels except confederate leaders Restores all rebel property except slaves Calles for each state to make a new constitution which when complete they could then reapply for readmission to the Union
3. Radical Republicans Outraged because they saw the same people who had led the confederacy returning to power in the south “Black Codes” were being passed Upset that Johnson had established his own reconstruction plan without the consent of Congress
4. February 1866 A Republican Congress passed the Freedmen’s Bureau Bill Gave land and education to Freedmen and set up “Military Courts” to protect the rights of freedmen Johnson vetoed the bill Unconstitutional and too expensive
5. March 1866 Congress passed the Civil Rights Bill Ex-slaves were now citizens and could make contracts, sue, witness in court, and own land. Again Johnson Vetoed Congress overrode his veto with a 2/3rds majority First time ever
6. The Radicals Could not agree on one plan Thaddeus Stevens Rebel states had left the union (Lincoln had said they never left) The U.S. territories should be confiscated and every freedmen receive 40 acres Radicals moved to then pass the 14th amendment
7. The 14th Amendment Radicals moved to pass the amendment but Johnson sent a message to congress condemning it All Northern States ratified the amendment but no Southern States did not Clear that Johnson was not doing his job
8. Reconstruction Law Stevens got radicals to pass the “Reconstruction Law” It abolished the governments set up by Johnson Created 5 military districts Ruled by martial law and military courts Johnson Vetoed the law Congress overrode with a 2/3rds vote
9. Following the Law Congress forced the South to hold constitutional conventions that made up both blacks and whites Stated that all constitutions Must give freed slaves the right to vote Ratify the 14th amendment Johnson vetoed these laws as well Congress overrode his veto again with a 2/3rds vote
10. Tenure of Office Act Passed by radical republicans Prohibited the president from firing any appointed government official, even his own cabinet members, without senate approval Johnson vetoed this law saying it was unconstitutional/ separation of powers Congress overrode his veto
11. Impeachment and Trial February 1868 Johnson attempted to fire his Sec. of War without senate approval Sec. of War had been undermining Johnson Firing him had violated the Tenure of Office Act Johnson had blocked equal rights for blacks during reconstruction and violated the Tenure of office act but this was shaky ground to impeach on Tenure of office act was questionable
12. Impeachment and Trial Trial began Thaddeus Stevens served as the prosecutor Johnson never appeared during his trial Senate failed by 1 vote to remove him from office Congress did not take over the government Military law still prevailed in the south Johnson had no hope of reelection
13. Your Assignment Answer the two following questions… Do you think the Radicals were right in attempting to remove Johnson from the presidency? Why or why not? Explain the quote, “It was a victory for the presidency but not for President Johnson.” (Hint: This is pertaining to the failed attempt to impeach him)