Complete The Chart To Compare The Different Reconstruction Plans
Introduction
The Reconstruction era in American history, which lasted from 1865 to 1877, was a period of rebuilding and reform after the Civil War. During this time, the federal government implemented various Reconstruction plans to rebuild the Southern states and integrate former slaves into American society.
The Different Reconstruction Plans
There were three main Reconstruction plans implemented during this period: the Presidential Reconstruction, Radical Reconstruction, and the Compromise of 1877. Each plan had different goals and approaches to rebuilding the South.
Presidential Reconstruction
The Presidential Reconstruction, also known as the Ten Percent Plan, was proposed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. This plan required that ten percent of the eligible voters in each Southern state pledge loyalty to the Union and accept the abolition of slavery in order to rejoin the Union.
After Lincoln's assassination, his Vice President, Andrew Johnson, continued with the Presidential Reconstruction. However, Johnson's plan was more lenient towards the Southern states and allowed former Confederate leaders to hold public office.
Radical Reconstruction
The Radical Reconstruction was proposed by the Radical Republicans in Congress. This plan was more punitive towards the Southern states and aimed to ensure civil rights for African Americans.
The Radical Reconstruction included the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which granted citizenship and equal rights to all people born in the United States, including former slaves. It also included the Reconstruction Acts of 1867, which divided the South into military districts and required new state constitutions that included African American suffrage.
Compromise of 1877
The Compromise of 1877 marked the end of Reconstruction. It was a political deal between the Republican and Democratic parties to resolve the disputed presidential election of 1876.
The Compromise of 1877 resulted in the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction. It also led to the establishment of Jim Crow laws and the disenfranchisement of African Americans in the South.
Comparison Chart
Here is a comparison chart of the different Reconstruction plans:
| Reconstruction Plan | Goal | Approach | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Reconstruction | To quickly restore the Union | Lenient towards the Southern states | Allowed former Confederate leaders to hold public office |
| Radical Reconstruction | To ensure civil rights for African Americans | Punitive towards the Southern states | Granted citizenship and equal rights to all people born in the United States, including former slaves |
| Compromise of 1877 | To resolve the disputed presidential election of 1876 | Withdrawal of federal troops from the South | Establishment of Jim Crow laws and the disenfranchisement of African Americans in the South |
Conclusion
The Reconstruction era was a complex and tumultuous period in American history. The Presidential Reconstruction, Radical Reconstruction, and the Compromise of 1877 each had different goals and approaches to rebuilding the South. The comparison chart above highlights the key differences between these plans and their results. Despite the challenges and setbacks, the Reconstruction era played a crucial role in shaping the future of the United States and advancing civil rights for all Americans.