chamberlain university HIST405N Week 4 Discussion

The Reconstruction period in American history saw the implementation of three different plans: Lincoln’s Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction (10% Plan), Andrew Johnson’s Reconstruction Plan, and the Congressional Reconstruction Plan (Congress) (OpenStax, 2014).

First, we have Lincoln’s Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction. This plan offered a pardon to Confederates, except high-ranking officials and war criminals, who pledged loyalty to the Union and supported the end of slavery. Once 10% of the state’s voting population took the oath, they could form new state governments and be readmitted to the Union (OpenStax, 2014).

Next, we have Andrew Johnson’s Reconstruction Plan. Johnson took a more lenient approach, requiring Southern states to declare secession illegal, ratify the 13th Amendment, and nullify Confederate war debts. Once these conditions were met, the states could be readmitted to the Union (OpenStax, 2014).

Lastly, there was the Congressional Reconstruction Plan, also known as Radical Reconstruction. This plan aimed to punish the South and protect African American rights. It divided the South into military districts, required states to draft new constitutions granting voting rights to African Americans, and ratify the 14th and 15th Amendments. Only then could the states be readmitted to the Union (OpenStax, 2014).

Now, let’s address the topic of whether the South should have been treated as a defeated nation or rebellious states. The South had seceded from the Union and fought against it to preserve slavery. Treating the South as a defeated nation would suggest a harsher approach with more severe consequences. On the other hand, treating them as rebellious states acknowledges their former allegiance to the Union and aims to reintegrate them back into the country. The decision to treat the South as defeated or rebellious had significant implications for the Reconstruction process and the relationship between the North and South (Foner, 1988).

Moving on to the changes in American culture and society during Reconstruction, there were notable differences between the North and South. The North had already undergone significant industrialization and urbanization, leading to the growth of cities, factories, and a more diverse economy. In contrast, the South was primarily agrarian and heavily relied on enslaved labor. During Reconstruction, the North continued to industrialize and modernize, while the South faced challenges in rebuilding its economy and adapting to the end of slavery. African Americans in the North experienced more opportunities for education, employment, and political participation compared to their counterparts in the South (Foner, 1988).

Lastly, let’s analyze the impact of the Compromise of 1877 that ended Reconstruction on African Americans. This compromise marked the end of Reconstruction and had significant consequences for African Americans. In exchange for the disputed electoral votes in the presidential election, Republicans agreed to withdraw federal troops from the South, effectively ending the military occupation and protection of African Americans. This compromise allowed Southern Democrats to regain political power and implement segregationist policies, leading to the establishment of the Jim Crow system and the disenfranchisement of African Americans. As a result, African Americans faced increased discrimination, violence, and limited opportunities for social and economic advancement (Foner, 1988).

In conclusion, Reconstruction was a complex period in American history with differing approaches and outcomes. It shaped the future of the country, particularly in terms of race relations and the rights of African Americans.

References:

Foner, E. (1988). Reconstruction: America’s unfinished revolution, 1863-1877. Harper & Row.

OpenStax. (2014). U.S. history. OpenStax CNX. Retrieved from https://cnx.org/contents/p7ovuIkl@6.18:gMXC1GEM@7/…