After the Civil War, America entered a period of time known as the "Reconstruction". The South was devastated physically, emotionally, and economically after the Civil War. Lincoln’s plan to bring the rebellious South back into the Union was to treat the South with kindness. He wanted to make them a part of the country once again quickly. Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth before the nation could use his plan. Lincoln’s successor, Andrew Johnson wanted to follow Lincoln’s plan, but Radical Republicans in the Congress wanted to punish the South for the long bloody Civil War. They wanted to make it more difficult for the South to rejoin the union. The Radical Republicans were more powerful than Johnson, and had their way. They divided the South into 5 military districts under the command of generals. They also forced Southern states to write new constitutions and ensure freedoms and voting rights for the freedmen.
Short Essay Writing Question:
Do you think that Lincoln or the Radical Republicans had a better Reconstruction plan? Explain your answer.
