The primary objective of both the Lincoln and Johnson Reconstruction Plans was to reintegrate the Southern states back into the Union as swiftly and smoothly as possible, with a focus on restoring political stability and healing the nation after the Civil War. Both plans aimed to provide lenient terms for readmission, emphasizing forgiveness and the importance of a speedy reconciliation.
Key features of the Reconstruction plans include:
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Lincoln's Plan: Known as the Ten Percent Plan, it proposed that a Southern state could rejoin the Union when 10% of its voters took an oath of allegiance to the Union and accepted the end of slavery. Lincoln emphasized a lenient approach to encourage forgiveness and promote national unity.
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Johnson's Plan: Andrew Johnson's approach also favored a quick restoration of the Southern states, requiring them to ratify the 13th Amendment and renounce secession. His plan included granting pardons to many former Confederates and allowed Southern states to create their own governments, often leading to the establishment of Black Codes that restricted the rights of freed African Americans.
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Congressional Reconstruction Plan: This plan, spearheaded by the Radical Republicans, sought to impose stricter conditions on Southern states for readmission. It included dividing the South into military districts, requiring states to create new constitutions guaranteeing African American male suffrage, and enforcing civil rights for freed slaves through legislation such as the Reconstruction Acts and the 14th and 15th Amendments.