Chapter 22, The Ordeal of Reconstruction, explores the complex and often turbulent period following the American Civil War. This era, known as Reconstruction (18651877), was marked by efforts to rebuild the South, integrate formerly enslaved people into society, and redefine the political landscape of the United States. However, it was also a time of deep divisions, racial tensions, and political struggles between Radical Republicans, Southern Democrats, and President Andrew Johnson.
This content breaks down the key events, legislation, and conflicts of the Reconstruction era, making it easier to understand and study.
The Challenges of Reconstruction
1. The Aftermath of the Civil War
The end of the Civil War in 1865 left the South devastated. Cities were in ruins, the economy collapsed, and nearly 4 million formerly enslaved people faced an uncertain future. The biggest questions facing the nation included:
- How would Southern states be reintegrated into the Union?
- What rights would be granted to freed African Americans?
- Who would control Reconstruction Congress or the President?
2. Lincolns 10 Percent Plan
Before his assassination, President Abraham Lincoln proposed a lenient plan for Reconstruction:
- A Southern state could rejoin the Union if 10% of its voters swore loyalty to the U.S.
- States had to abolish slavery and recognize the 13th Amendment.
- Lincolns goal was to reunite the country as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Many Radical Republicans opposed this plan, arguing that it was too mild and didnt guarantee full rights for freedmen.
Presidential vs. Congressional Reconstruction
3. Andrew Johnsons Plan
After Lincolns assassination, Andrew Johnson became president. His Reconstruction plan was even more lenient than Lincolns:
- Pardoned most Confederates and allowed them to reclaim their land.
- Required states to ratify the 13th Amendment (abolishing slavery) but did not require Black voting rights.
- Allowed Southern states to rejoin the Union quickly.
Johnsons policies angered Radical Republicans, who wanted stricter measures to protect freedmen and punish Confederate leaders.
4. Black Codes and Southern Resistance
Despite the abolition of slavery, Southern states enacted Black Codes, which:
- Restricted the freedom of African Americans by limiting their right to vote, own property, and work in certain jobs.
- Imposed harsh labor contracts, forcing many freedmen into conditions similar to slavery.
These laws fueled tensions between Congress and President Johnson.
5. The Rise of Radical Reconstruction
In response to Black Codes, Radical Republicans passed several laws:
- The Civil Rights Act of 1866 Granted citizenship and equal rights to African Americans.
- The 14th Amendment Guaranteed citizenship and equal protection under the law.
- The Reconstruction Act of 1867 Divided the South into military districts under Union control.
Southern states were forced to ratify the 14th Amendment and grant African Americans voting rights before they could rejoin the Union.
The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson
6. Johnson vs. Congress
Johnson vetoed many Reconstruction laws, leading to clashes with Congress. To weaken his power, Congress passed the Tenure of Office Act, which prevented Johnson from firing government officials without Senate approval.
7. Johnsons Impeachment Trial
- Johnson fired Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, violating the Tenure of Office Act.
- In response, the House of Representatives impeached Johnson in 1868.
- The Senate vote fell one vote short of removing him from office.
Although Johnson remained president, his political influence was weakened, and Congress took control of Reconstruction.
African Americans and Reconstruction
8. Freedmens Bureau
To assist former slaves, Congress created the Freedmens Bureau, which:
- Provided food, medical care, and education to freed African Americans.
- Helped freedmen negotiate fair labor contracts.
- Established schools for African American children and adults.
Despite its efforts, the Freedmens Bureau faced resistance from Southern whites and eventually lost funding.
9. The 15th Amendment
In 1870, the 15th Amendment was passed, guaranteeing African American men the right to vote. However, many Southern states found ways to suppress Black voters through:
- Poll taxes (charging fees to vote).
- Literacy tests (requiring voters to pass difficult reading tests).
- Violence and intimidation from groups like the Ku Klux Klan (KKK).
The Fall of Reconstruction
10. The Ku Klux Klan and White Resistance
The KKK and other white supremacist groups used violence to terrorize Black voters and Republican leaders. Their goal was to restore white Democratic control of Southern states.
In response, Congress passed the Enforcement Acts, allowing the federal government to crack down on the KKK. However, these laws were difficult to enforce.
11. The Compromise of 1877
By the 1876 presidential election, Reconstruction was losing support. The election was highly contested between:
- Rutherford B. Hayes (Republican)
- Samuel Tilden (Democrat)
To settle the dispute, both parties agreed to the Compromise of 1877, which stated:
- Hayes would become president.
- Federal troops would be withdrawn from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction.
This deal allowed Southern Democrats to regain power, leading to the rise of Jim Crow laws and racial segregation.
Key Takeaways from Chapter 22
- The Reconstruction era aimed to rebuild the South and grant civil rights to African Americans.
- Andrew Johnsons lenient policies clashed with Radical Republicans, leading to his impeachment.
- The Freedmens Bureau helped newly freed slaves but lacked long-term support.
- The 14th and 15th Amendments expanded rights for African Americans, but resistance in the South led to voter suppression.
- Reconstruction ended in 1877, allowing segregation and racial discrimination to rise in the South.
Chapter 22, The Ordeal of Reconstruction, highlights one of the most controversial and challenging periods in American history. While Reconstruction brought new rights and opportunities for African Americans, it also faced strong opposition from Southern leaders.
Ultimately, the failure of Reconstruction allowed racial segregation and discrimination to persist for nearly a century, shaping the course of American history well into the 20th century.
