what was the goal of Lincoln's reconstruction plan

A: Punish the Southern states for starting the Civil War B: Ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments C: Readmit former Confederate states without tough restrictions D: Prevent Democrats from regaining power

1 answer

The goal of Lincoln's Reconstruction plan was primarily C: Readmit former Confederate states without tough restrictions. Lincoln sought to reunite the country as quickly and smoothly as possible after the Civil War, advocating for leniency toward the South to encourage reconciliation and rapid reintegration into the Union. While he also supported the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, his plan focused on reestablishing the Southern states' status in the Union with minimal penalties.