Topic: Lincoln's Plan for Reconstruction


Lincoln’s Ideas

  1. Said that states could not leave the Union
  2. Forgive the South: Bring Union together quickly


Lincoln’s Plan

  1. Pardon most Confederates (excuse from punishment)
  2. B. No Slavery  (Must pass the 13th Amendment
  3. 10% of people in state had to swear allegiance (loyalty to the United States)


Southern States

Most quickly agreed and


Black Codes

Laws passed by Southern states to “control” the Freedmen

  1. Blacks needed a pass
  2. only allowed to farm or be servants
  3. curfew, no guns
  4. No vote, no jury
  5. Could be jailed for quitting jobs
  6. Fined if stayed home from work
  7. Had to “work off” fines 


Purpose of Black Codes


Southerners claimed
  1. Blacks needed protection from themselves
  2. Whites needed protection from Blacks

Northerners said: They were trying to bring slavery back

Radical Republicans

Had their own plan for Reconstruction (Congress plan)

  1. Said that the states had left the Union; Therefore, Reconstruction was the job of Congress
  2. Kicked Southerners out of Congress
  3. Goals:
  1. Help the Freedmen
  2. Punish the South
  3. Gain political power from votes of Blacks