Reconstruction, the period following the American Civil War, was a time of great turmoil and change. Abraham Lincoln, the president who had led the Union to victory, had a plan for Reconstruction that emphasized reconciliation and a quick return to normal. However, his successor, Andrew Johnson, had a different vision for Reconstruction, one that was more punitive and focused on punishing the South.

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Lincoln’s Plan for Reconstruction
Lincoln’s plan for Reconstruction was based on his belief that the Union could be restored through a process of forgiveness and reconciliation. He wanted to quickly reintegrate the Southern states into the Union and give them a chance to rebuild.

Why didn’t Johnson’s plan of Reconstruction work

Andrew Johnson’s plan for Reconstruction failed for several reasons. First, it was too harsh and punitive towards the South. Second, it did not provide enough support for the freedmen. Third, it was not supported by Congress.

Johnson’s plan was based on the idea that the South should be punished for its role in the Civil War. He wanted to impose harsh punishments on Confederate leaders and limit the rights of former slaves.

Many historians and legal experts have argued that Johnson’s plan did not work because it was unconstitutional. The Judiciary Act of 1789 gave the Supreme Court the authority to review the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress.

In Johnson’s administration, the Supreme Court was controlled by Republicans during the early years of Reconstruction, and this posed a challenge to Johnson’s authority. Numerous reconstruction laws passed by Congress were struck down on the grounds that they violated the Constitution.

In 1868, the Radical Republicans were able to impeach Johnson under the Tenure of Office Act for firing Secretary of War Edwin Stanton without the Senate’s consent.

• Lincoln’s plan included the following key elements:
• A pardon for all Confederates who swore allegiance to the Union
• The return of all property to its rightful owners, except for slaves
• The establishment of a new government in each Southern state, based on universal manhood suffrage.

Johnson’s Plan for Reconstruction
Johnson’s plan for Reconstruction was much harsher than Lincoln’s. He wanted to disenfranchise all former Confederates and confiscate their property. He also wanted to keep the Southern states under military control.

Johnson’s plan was rejected by Congress, which passed a series of Reconstruction Acts that were more in line with Lincoln’s vision.

The Freedman’s Bureau and Black Codes

The Freedmen’s Bureau was a federal agency that was created to help freed slaves during the Reconstruction Era. The agency provided food, clothing, and shelter to freed slaves, and it also helped them to find jobs and get an education.

The Black Codes were a series of laws that were passed in the Southern states after the Civil War. These laws restricted the rights of freed slaves, and they prevented them from owning land, voting, and serving on juries.

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How Did Lincoln’S And Johnson’S Plans For Reconstruction Differ

Conclusion

The differences between Lincoln’s and Johnson’s plans for Reconstruction had a profound impact on the course of American history. Lincoln’s plan was more conciliatory and forgiving, while Johnson’s plan was more punitive and vindictive. The result was a long and difficult period of Reconstruction that had a lasting impact on the nation.

Call to Action

If you are interested in learning more about Reconstruction, I encourage you to read some of the following resources:

• Reconstruction – HISTORY
• Reconstruction | History, Facts, & Significance | Britannica
• Reconstruction: An Era of Change and Hope | PBS