Download Reconstruction Era 1865-1877

Reconstruction Era 1865-1877
Andrew Johnson 17th President 1865-1869
•
He was made president by an assassin’s
bullet.
•
Lacking formal schooling, he did not
learn to read and write until adult life
•
Born in dire poverty in North Carolina.
•
First President to be Impeached.
•
Made a living as a tailor in Tennessee
Political Career
Before President


Entered as a Jacksonian Democrat, and
became known as an effective stump
speaker.
Became a spokesman for Tennessee’s
non-slaveholding whites and the most
successful politician in the state.

He advanced from state legislator to
congressman to governor and in 1857
was elected to the U.S. Senate.

Was the only senator from a
Confederate state that remained loyal to
the Union.

Reconstruction
Was Lincoln’s running mate because it
was thought that a pro-administration
Democrat, southern Unionist, would
strengthen the ticket.
1

Attempted to put the Union back
together on his own authority in 1865.

His policies eventually set him at odds
with Congress and the Republican party.

He was not harsh to Confederate
leaders.

First Reconstruction Act passed over
Johnson's veto.

Second Reconstruction Act passed over
Johnson's veto.

Third Reconstruction Act passed over
Johnson's veto.
Johnson’s Impeachment

Two attempts to remove President Andrew Johnson from office.
•
First attempt failed

Second attempt was an success because of Johnson violation the Tenure of Office Act. (1867)
preventing the president from removing any cabinet member without Congress's permission

preventing the president from removing any cabinet member without Congress's permission

The Southern states were being run by their military administrators, reporting to General Ulysses
S. Grant (1822-1885) appointed by Johnson.

Grant attempted to replace Edwin Stanton (1814-1869) as secretary of war. Stanton, who was
favored by Congress, refused to leave his office, physically chaining himself to his desk.

Congress viewed Johnson's move as a violation of the Tenure of Office Act

He was the First U.S. President to be
impeached, and to succeed to presidency
upon the assassination.

He is consistently ranked being among
the worst U.S. presidents.

Ulysses S. Grant succeeded Johnson.
Reconstruction Amendments 1865-1870
13th Amendment ratified.

Abolished slavery in the United States.
14th Amendment ratified.

Entitles all persons born or naturalized in the United States to citizenship and equal
protection under the laws of the United States.
15th Amendment ratified.

Gave the vote to all male citizens regardless of color or previous condition of servitude.
2
Wade-Davis Bill
Radical Republicans unhappy with Lincoln's 10% plan

Two Radical Republicans, Senator
Benjamin Wade of Ohio and
Congressman Henry Davis of
Maryland, sponsor an alternative plan
for Reconstruction

Bill passed by Congress July 1864

Details: After at least half the eligible
voters took the oath of allegiance, they
could elect delegates to a form a new
state constitution that repealed secession
and abolished secession

The catch--to qualify as a voter or
delegate, a southerner would have to
take a second, "ironclad" oath, said had
never voluntarily supported the
Confederacy
.

Impossible in an former Confederate
state unless blacks were given the vote

Radical Republicans wanted black
suffrage but the south did not

Black suffrage not considered in WadeDavis bill

Result--Lincoln pocket vetoes
(Congress adjourns before a bill
becomes law the president can sign or
veto it until Congress reconvenes)

When Lincoln assassinated Radical
republics believed that Andrew
KU KLUX KLAN

The name Ku Klux derived from the
Greek word kuklos, meaning “circle”

Nathan Bedford Forrest was one of the
early leaders

Attire worn: white robes, masks, and
conical hats

In 1868 The Klan turned to violence
(harassing, murder by hanging…)

Founded in Tennessee in 1866 by
veterans of the Confederate Army
The Klan’s Targets

Black voters

Freedmen’s Bureau Agents

White Republicans

Roman Catholics

Union League Leaders
KKK Act of 1871 (Civil Rights Act of 1871)

Enforced in 1871

Outlawed Klan violence

Allowed Federal Troops and courts to arrest and prosecute members of the Klan
3