Notes on The Era of Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, Chapter 1-6 notes- for the breadth study of AQA A-level History Making of a Superpower: USA
Revision notes condensed down from core textbooks and some areas of further reading. Useful for revision- used to achieve an A* in 2019 Summer Examin...
CHAPTER 1
Reconstruction was the term applied to the process of reintegrating the southern states into the usa
and building new social structures in the south to replace the plantation old ones.
WEAKNESSES OF FED GOV
Federal gov was small and had no bureaucracy to implement nationwide policies
Constitution based on separation of powers, which made it difficult for President’s to gain
Congressional support for bills
Much political power held in State governments, whom had their own local interests,
especially in the South
Southern resentment made it difficult to make a Reconstruction policy
LINCOLN’S RECONSTRUCTION
Lincoln faced several problems in dealing with reconstruction during and immediately after the end
of the civil war. This included
How to treat the southern states, especially since radical republicans wanted to impose a
much harsher settlement on the south than Lincoln
What to do with ex-slaves. RR’s wanted them to have the same rights as white Americans,
predominantly the right to vote.
o Radical republicans included the like of Charles Sumner and Thaddeus Stevens,
whom clamoured for the abolition of slavery and a demanding reconstruction policy;
particularly wanted black male enfranchisement
The issue of who decided this policy- congress or Lincoln? The separation of powers and
checks and balance ensured no arm of government became too powerful, but it caused
conflict; Lincoln felt he had the power but came into conflict with congress for this
There was also the issue of power between federacy and states and how to link the south
and north back together
Lincoln’s plan was the 10 Percent Plan, issued in April 1864
The ex-Confed states would be readmitted to the union if 10% of the electorate swore an
oath of allegiance to the union, they supported all existing acts of Congress regarding
slavery and they allowed AAs to vote
o Voters could then elect delegates to draft ‘revised’ state constitutions and establish
new state governments.
o This had two parts- the other part was a full pardon and restoration of property to
all except high Confed officials and military leaders. Mod R’s agreed, supporting
Lincoln and wanting a quick end to the war
Louisiana was the first to meet the rule and was admitted to the union
Radical republican reaction- Wade-Davis Bill, June 1865
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