Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction

This paper explores the differences between Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction. During this period, both of these approaches to Reconstruction aimed to bring an end to the Civil War and help rebuild the Union and its former Confederate states.

Presidential Reconstruction was implemented by President Abraham Lincoln in 1865, shortly after the end of the Civil War. This approach focused on restoring state governments with minimal federal interference. It also sought to quickly restore civil rights to former Confederate sympathizers and institute a more lenient policy toward ex-Confederate leaders than many Radical Republicans desired. The Ten Percent Plan created by Lincoln freed slaves who had been loyal to the Union throughout the war, while allowing ex-Confederates who accepted federal authority back into political life without prejudice or punishment.

Congressional Reconstruction was initiated in 1867, when Congress passed the first of three Reconstruction Acts. This approach involved the creation of Freedmen’s Bureau to help protect black Americans from exploitation and ensure that they were treated equally under the law. It also allowed for African American men to vote and encouraged Southern states to ratify a new state constitution abolishing slavery and providing equal rights for all citizens regardless of race. Congressional Reconstruction also instituted military rule over much of the South, preventing former Confederate leaders from returning to political power.

Both approaches to Reconstruction sought to bring an end to the Civil War and restore the Union, but Presidential Reconstruction was more lenient towards ex-Confederates while Congressional Reconstruction was aimed at protecting the civil rights and political rights of African Americans. Ultimately, Congressional Reconstruction was more successful in achieving its goals, as it helped establish the foundations for civil rights that remain in place today. The legacy and impact of both Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction will continue to be studied and debated by historians for many years to come.

In conclusion, Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction were two different approaches to Reconstructing the Union after the Civil War. While both sought to bring an end to the conflict and rebuild the nation, they had different focuses: Presidential Reconstruction emphasized a lenient approach towards ex-Confederates while Congressional Reconstruction focused on protecting African American civil rights. Ultimately, it was Congress’s approach that would prove most effective in establishing equal rights for all citizens regardless of race.