Reconstruction Essay, Research Paper

Presidential and Radical Republican reconstruction did not ultimately heal the wounds of the Civil War. The efforts of the moderate Congress and special interest agencies also helped to put the Union back together. In 1864, the Radical Republicans were characterized by vindictiveness towards the ex-Confederates. Their Wade-Davis Bill included harsh restrictions, including the repudiation of state debts by nullifying Confederate bonds and barring former secessionist official from voting. Similarly, President Johnson had virtually no vision of Reconstruction and vetoed a Civil Rights Act that would have protected blacks. (Fortunately, Congress was able to override his action and keep this measure alive.) This act widened the already growing gap between the Radical Republicans and the administration.

Although Johnson’s sketchy Reconstruction plans were not that much harsher than Lincoln’s 10% plan, he allowed his prejudices to delay healing with the South. For example, he forced wealthy Southerners to beg for their rights to be restored. However, he sympathized with the poor whites and did not wish to subject them to undeserving punishment. His haste to readmit the southern states plus his stubbornness, led to his impeachment but not removal.

Fortunately, the moderate Congress and the special agencies created were able to heal the festering sore that the Civil War had caused. The passage and enforcement of the 14th Amendment made blacks citizens. In addition, the Freedmen’s Bureau and American Anti-Slavery Society helped to educate blacks. The acknowledgement of black rights and suffrage (insured in the 15th Amendment) helped to elect Ulysses S. Grant as President. Under his Presidency, but clearly not due to him, blacks became more involved in politics, although this was temporary. In addition, Southern and Northern business leaders began to think nationally and concentrate on the United States as a Union. This incredible transformation from the destruction and anger from a few years before was due to a number of interests was certainly not Presidential or Radical Republican forces.