Reconstruction: AP US History Study Guide 2024
Introduction
Ready to dive into one of the most dramatic periods in American history since that time your dog ate your homework? Welcome to the Reconstruction era! This was the period after the Civil War when the United States tried to piece itself back together like a giant, awkward jigsaw puzzle. Let’s unravel the chaos, the triumphs, and the controversies together!
The Big Three Questions of Reconstruction
Firstly, the burning questions on everyone’s mind were:
- What do we do with the former Confederates?
- What do we do with the formerly enslaved people?
- Who should be in charge of deciding questions #1 and #2: Congress or the President?
The Reconstruction Amendments
The Civil War and Reconstruction led to colossal changes in the United States. The federal government flexed its muscles and took on new responsibilities to protect citizens' rights. Three critical amendments to the Constitution were passed during this era:
- The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, giving folks a collective sigh of relief and boots for freedom!
- The 14th Amendment granted African Americans citizenship and promised them equal protection under the laws. It was basically like saying, "Hey, you're one of us now!"
- The 15th Amendment granted African American men the right to vote. Unfortunately, women’s voting rights were left out, causing a rift in the previously united front of black rights and women’s rights advocates.
Lincoln’s Reconstruction Plan
Before his untimely death, Abraham Lincoln devised the Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction, known affectionately as the 10% Plan. This plan provided:
- Full presidential pardons to most Confederates who swore allegiance to the Union and accepted the end of slavery.
- A state government could be recognized when 10% of the voters from the 1860 election swore loyalty.
It was like a "fast pass" for Southern states, allowing them back into the Union with fewer hurdles.
Congress and the Wade-Davis Reconstruction
Some folks in Congress were like, “Hold up, Lincoln's plan is too lenient!” Enter the Wade-Davis Bill in 1864, which demanded tougher conditions:
- 50% of a state’s voters had to take a loyalty oath.
- Only non-Confederates could vote for a new state constitution.
Lincoln pocket-vetoed this bill faster than you swipe left on a sketchy dating profile.
Freedmen's Bureau
In March 1865, Congress birthed the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, commonly called the Freedmen’s Bureau. Think of it as the original Red Cross, providing food, shelter, and medical aid. Its greatest achievement was in education: under General Oliver Howard’s leadership, it established nearly 3,000 schools for freed blacks and some colleges too. 📚
Johnson’s Reconstruction Plan
After Lincoln was assassinated, Andrew Johnson took over. Imagine inviting your least favorite uncle to Thanksgiving dinner, and you get the idea. Johnson’s Presidential Reconstruction allowed Southern states back into the Union if they ratified the 13th Amendment. But, and this is a big but, they were also allowed to enforce Black Codes, restricting the rights of freed slaves.
What Were Black Codes?
Black Codes were like manual rulebooks on how to curb the freedom of African Americans:
- They couldn’t rent or buy land. 💸
- They were pushed into semi-bondage by signing work contracts.
- They couldn’t testify against whites in court. ⚖️
- Unemployment could mean arrest, and job options were limited to roles like servants or laborers.
Congressional Radical Republican Reconstruction
Congress wasn’t having Johnson’s leniency. Radical Republicans took over Reconstruction and passed measures over his vetoes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which declared everyone born in the U.S. citizens deserving of equal rights (take that, Dred Scott!). They also passed the Reconstruction Act of 1867, which:
- Divided the South into five military districts under Union control.
- Required states to ratify the 14th Amendment.
- Mandated state constitutions to grant voting rights to all adult males.
This era also saw the first black congressmen, like Blanche K. Bruce and Hiram Revels.
Johnson’s Impeachment
Johnson was about as popular in Congress as a skunk at a garden party. He tried to neuter congressional Reconstruction, which led to the Tenure of Office Act. This act required Senate approval for the removal of officials whose appointments needed Senate consent. When Johnson fired Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, Congress moved to impeach him. The impeachment fell one vote short of conviction, and Johnson got to keep his job (but probably not his popularity).
Key Concepts to Know
- 10% Plan: Lincoln's lenient plan requiring only 10% of voters to pledge allegiance to the Union.
- 13th Amendment: Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude.
- 14th Amendment: Granted citizenship and equal protection under the laws.
- 15th Amendment: Prohibited denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous servitude.
- Black Codes: Laws designed to restrict African Americans’ freedom post-Civil War.
- Blanche K. Bruce & Hiram Revels: The first black U.S. Senators during Reconstruction.
- Freedmen's Bureau: An agency to aid freed slaves and poor whites.
- Civil Rights Act of 1866: Defined citizenship and equal protection for all.
- Wade-Davis Bill: A stringent Reconstruction plan requiring 50% voter loyalty.
- Reconstruction Act of 1867: Military occupation and rights protection in the South.
- Tenure of Office Act: Limited presidential power in dismissing officials.
- Johnson’s Impeachment: The unsuccessful attempt to remove Andrew Johnson from office.
Conclusion
Reconstruction was a time engulfed in confusion, challenge, and change. The nation was trying to mend itself while deciding what kind of country it wished to become. While there were many setbacks and limitations, significant progress was made that paved the way for a more just society. So, while preparing for your APUSH exam, channel the resilience of this transformative era and conquer it like a true history hero! 🚀
