What was Congressional Reconstruction?

What was Congressional Reconstruction?

Congressional Reconstruction was the period after the Civil War in which the federal government enacted and attempted to enforce equal suffrage on the ex-Confederate states.

What was initial congressional plan?

In July 1864, Congress passed the Wade-Davis Bill, their own formula for restoring the Union: A state must have a majority within its borders take the oath of loyalty. A state must formally abolish slavery.

When was the congressional plan?

In 1867, Congress overrode a presidential veto in order to pass an act that divided the South into military districts that placed the former Confederate states under martial law pending their adoption of constitutions guaranteeing civil liberties to former slaves.

What were the major accomplishments of Congressional Reconstruction?

The “Reconstruction Amendments” passed by Congress between 1865 and 1870 abolished slavery, gave black Americans equal protection under the law, and granted suffrage to black men.

What were the major differences between presidential and congressional Reconstruction plans?

Presidential Reconstruction was the approach that promoted more leniency towards the South regarding plans for readmission to the Union. Congressional Reconstruction blamed the South and wanted retribution for causing the Civil War.

What were Lincoln’s plan for Reconstruction?

The Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction was Lincoln’s plan to reintegrate the Confederate states back into the Union, granting presidential pardons to all Southerners (except political leaders) who took an oath of future allegiance to the Union.

Why was Lincoln’s plan the best?

Because Lincoln believed that the South had never legally seceded from the Union, his plan for Reconstruction was based on forgiveness. Lincoln hoped that the proclamation would rally northern support for the war and persuade weary Confederate soldiers to surrender.

What were the effects of Congressional Reconstruction?

What were the goals of presidential and congressional Reconstruction plans?

While Presidential Reconstruction was designed to simply bring the South back into the Union, Congressional Reconstruction intended to completely alter the fabric of Southern society and make sure the former Confederate states were punished.