Reconstruction Controversy

Alexander Stephens, VP of the Confederacy

May, 1865-Johnson's Reconstruction Policy Begins

Johnson's Reconstruction Plan was put into action when Congress was not in session, and while state constitutions were drawn up, many former Confederate leaders came personally to the President to beg for pardon.

- Most Southerners who took loyalty oath pardoned.
- Granted pardon to many high-ranking officials.
   - Vice President of Confederacy
   - 9 generals
   - 6 officers.

- Republicans had majority in Congress.
   - Overrode President's pardons
   - Above Confederates denied admission to Senate and House of Representatives.

June, 1865- Johnson Revokes Land

- Freedmen's Bureau gave land (and mules) to many Freedmen
- Johnson revokes land
- Land given back to former Confederate owners

Dec. 1865- State governments established

Black Codes limited black's rights

- Johnson believed state (not federal) governments should set policies regarding Freedmen's rights.
   - Insisted such governments were valid.
   - Radicals insisted they were illegal.
- Johnson's leniency encouraged South to restrict black's rights.
- "Black Codes" limited black people's social, economic, and political rights.

February, 1866- Extension of Freedmen's Bureau

Democrats pleased with veto of Freedmen's Bureau

- Congress passed bill to extend life of Freedmen's Bureau
- Johnson vetoed bill
- Democrats thrilled with veto and serenade him at White House.
- Johnson gave short speech attacking Radicals and giving names.

Johnson and Congress Clash

Radicals gained power in Congress

- Radicals become more displeased with Johnson's Plan and think he is giving away North's victory.
- Plan too lenient towards whites and didn't protect black's rights.
- Radicals and Congress appointed joint committee to draw up alternate Reconstruction plan.

1866- Civil Rights Bill

- Passed by Congress
- Federal protection for blacks- Black Codes eliminated
- All people born in the US granted rights of citizens regardless of race.
- Federal government can intervene in state affairs to protect citizen's rights.

Although advised by many members of his Cabinet to sign bill, Johnson vetoed it.
- Believed bill "infringed" on states' rights.
- Argued it discriminated against whites by giving protection to blacks that whites didn't have.

- Johnson's veto convinced Moderates to join with Radicals.
- Thought Johnson was going wrong way about Reconstruction.
- Congress overrode veto and passed bill.

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