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Reconstruction Dbq

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The Reconstruction is the period of rebuilding following the Civil War. After a four-year bloody war, one would think that the Reconstruction Period would bring about peace, however it stirred up more tension. The people amongst the tension were the Radical Republicans and Andrew Johnson. Both parties had different views regarding Reconstruction policies and was unable to come to an agreement. What were these policies and what affect did it have on the Reconstruction Period? First, let us discuss the goal and purpose of the Reconstruction Period. After the Civil War, many Americans felt a great deal of pain and had several questions that were un-answered. The Reconstruction Period was the time spent to address the issues brought on by …show more content…

The Civil War ended slavery and three Constitutional Amendments altered African American rights. The 13th Amendment abolished/discontinued slavery in all territories and states. The 14th Amendment gave equal protection to all males regardless of race and prohibited states from depriving them of this right. The 15th Amendment allowed for African Americans males to vote. With these amendments being ratified, it became a requirement for southern states to be readmitted into the Union. The ratification of these amendments proved to be a big step toward racial equality, however the enforcement proved to be extremely …show more content…

Johnson allegedly violated one of these laws, the Tenure of Office Act, by dismissing the Secretary of War. Congress felt the need to impeach him. Radical leaders felt President Johnson himself was an obstacle in their plans and felt that impeachment was the only option. The House of Representative voted eleven articles of impeachment against Johnson. In 1868 he was tried by the Senate in the spring and was acquitted of all charges by one vote. Seven Republicans Senators found Johnson not guilty, and he could serve out his term. It would be over a hundred years later before another President, Bill Clinton, would be

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