President Andrew Johnson's Reconstruction plan differed significantly from that of the Radical Republicans in several key aspects, particularly in his approach to the terms of readmission for Southern states. One way that Johnson opposed the Radical Republicans was in his leniency toward the Southern states and his desire to quickly restore them to the Union without significant protections for the newly freed African Americans.
Johnson's plan included the following notable points of contention:
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Pardon and Amnesty: Johnson favored granting pardons and amnesty to many former Confederates and did so with little requirement for them to change their behavior or attitudes. In contrast, Radical Republicans sought more stringent requirements and conditions for Southern states to re-enter the Union.
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Civil Rights: Johnson was opposed to the Radical Republicans' push for civil rights protections, including the Freedmen's Bureau and the Civil Rights Act. He vetoed important legislation aimed at protecting the rights of former slaves and ensuring their integration into society.
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Political Power: Johnson allowed Southern states to reestablish their governments relatively quickly and without significant oversight. In contrast, Radical Republicans wanted to implement military rule in the South and ensure that African Americans had the right to vote and hold office.
Overall, Johnson's Reconstruction plan was seen as too lenient and did not adequately address the political and social issues arising from the Civil War and emancipation, leading to a significant conflict with the more progressive agenda of the Radical Republicans.
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