One Nation Indivisible
One Nation Indivisible
Mr. Horne
A2
The main goal of Reconstruction was to bring the rebel states back into the Union, and to help the freedmen become a part of society. Although there was a lot of abuse, and Reconstruction didn't go as smoothly as it was intended to be, these two goals were achieved as much as was possible. So,the resulting outcome has been labeled both a success and a failure.
When Reconstruction began in 1865, a broken America had just finished fighting the Civil War. This was the point where America attempted to become a full running country once more. This, though, was not an easy task. The memory of massive death was still in the front of everyone’s mind, hardening into resentment and sometimes even hatred. The south was non-existent politically or economically, and searching desperately for a way back in. Along with these things, now living amongst the population were almost four million former slaves, who had no idea how to make a living on their own. They had been freed by the 13th amendment, and in the future it became a great concern to many political leaders. Still, it was no secret that something had to be done. So, as usually happens, political leaders appeared on the stage, each holding their own plan of Reconstruction, each certain their ideas were the correct ones. One of the first people who came up with a blueprint for Reconstruction was the president at the time, Abraham Lincoln. The “Lincoln Plan” was a very open one, stating that after certain criteria were met a confederate state could return to the union. To rejoin, a state had to have ten percent of voters both accept the emancipation of slaves and swear loyalty to the union. Also, those high ranking officers of the state could not hold office or carry out voting rights unless the president said so.
Well, sadly enough, Honest Abe was assassinated before he could put his plan to the test. After his death, several other political leaders emerged with plans in hand.
Mr. Horne
A2
The main goal of Reconstruction was to bring the rebel states back into the Union, and to help the freedmen become a part of society. Although there was a lot of abuse, and Reconstruction didn't go as smoothly as it was intended to be, these two goals were achieved as much as was possible. So,the resulting outcome has been labeled both a success and a failure.
When Reconstruction began in 1865, a broken America had just finished fighting the Civil War. This was the point where America attempted to become a full running country once more. This, though, was not an easy task. The memory of massive death was still in the front of everyone’s mind, hardening into resentment and sometimes even hatred. The south was non-existent politically or economically, and searching desperately for a way back in. Along with these things, now living amongst the population were almost four million former slaves, who had no idea how to make a living on their own. They had been freed by the 13th amendment, and in the future it became a great concern to many political leaders. Still, it was no secret that something had to be done. So, as usually happens, political leaders appeared on the stage, each holding their own plan of Reconstruction, each certain their ideas were the correct ones. One of the first people who came up with a blueprint for Reconstruction was the president at the time, Abraham Lincoln. The “Lincoln Plan” was a very open one, stating that after certain criteria were met a confederate state could return to the union. To rejoin, a state had to have ten percent of voters both accept the emancipation of slaves and swear loyalty to the union. Also, those high ranking officers of the state could not hold office or carry out voting rights unless the president said so.
Well, sadly enough, Honest Abe was assassinated before he could put his plan to the test. After his death, several other political leaders emerged with plans in hand.