... from The American Pageant chapter 22:
- Presidential Reconstruction (p. 483)
- The Baleful Black Codes (p. 484)
- Congressional Reconstruction (p. 485)
- The Ku Klux Klan (p. 493)
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Carlos De León
Social Studies Department Chair
Luther Burbank High School
34 comments:
According to Lincoln, the South never formally withdrew from the Union. He even went as far as to very leniently let them return to the Union as long as 10% of the state swore allegiance to the Union, which infuriated many Northerners, mainly people of the Republican party. Before Lincoln's assassination, he had devised a swift plan to let the Southern states return to the Union without much punishment, after Lincoln's death, Andrew Johnson went ahead with Lincoln's plan, allowing the South to return. Can we really say the Civil War accomplished anything at this point? Blacks were "freed" but would eventually face the South's wrath with the Ku Klux Klan and Black Codes that not only enslaved blacks natural rights, but were left like sheep trying to fend off the wolves by the federal government. Not only did Blacks worry, but Republicans who now had to face the South which because of blacks being able to vote, had a much greater power in Congress. Not only was this a slap to the "Boys in Blue" that fought to preserve the Union and quell the moral and political issues, but also a slap to Blacks that paid the price of blood to earn their freedom only to be in a much worse position than when they were in slavery. Infact, Reconstruction was anything but Reconstruction, more like a Deconstruction of what was fought for, a basic back to square one situation, just now left in a worse condition than before. (AP. 483-486, 493-494)
The readings of week 7 continue the revolution of the issues dealing with slavery. President Abraham Lincoln continued his plan to reconstitute the states in rebellion into the union; he came up with the “10 percent reconstitution plan” unfortunately he was executed (A.P., pg.483). Andy Johnson who was believed to hate the south was elected to take Lincoln’s position but he disappointed and in exchange agreed with Lincoln’s ideas (A.P., pg.483). Then the Black codes were created, and their main goal was to take away the rights of the blacks to make them work for the whites again (A.P., pg.484). Which led to the eventual Congressional Reconstruction in which the whites were displeased because the 3/5 law would no longer take effect and they would have a bigger say in congress (A.P., pg.485). The Ku Klux Klan was eventually formed and their goals were to intimidate the blacks, it was composed of the southerners (A.P., pg.493). I personally do not see why the southerners were so hateful towards the slaves if thanks to them they would gain a bigger say in government and therefore have more power.
Lincoln was in favor of the restoration of the Southern states to the Union. He decreed his "10 percent" Reconstruction plan but the Wade-Davis Bill (Congress) required 50% of the voter to take the oath of aligence and for Southern states to pay for their "sins". After the ex Confederate states were accepted back in the Union the problems continued with the Black Codes and racist groups such as the Ku-klux-klan. Besides from that, the Republicans were unsatisfied with the coming back of many former Confederate leaders to Congress and feared they could "...join hands with Democrats in the North and win control of Congress...". (A.P. pp.483-485 and 493)
Blacks never really gained "freedom" after the civil war , until a century later but that is another story. After the civil war with reconstruction underway it consisted of two major aspects: Presidential and Congressional reconstruction.(AP,p.483,485) The whole Reconstruction effort was to rebuild the ties of the union because remember Lincoln said the south had never left the union. Meanwhile the republicans feared losing the control of congress to the rising southern democrats,since black now counted as a one vote,human being,.(AP,p.485)Even after reconstruction began the newly freemen suffered their freedom buy the hands of their previous owners via fines, that literally seems as if slavery hadn't been lifted.Even more demeaning was the formation of the Ku Klux Kklan, who's sole purpose was to destroy the blacks and their rights.(AP,p.493)Life was now even more of a struggle than when they were slaves.
After the Civil War, Lincoln proposed a 10% plan in hopes that much of the South would cooperate and restore the Union. They did cooperate, however, they also enforced Black Codes. Black Codes we created and essentially created a secondary form of slavery that appeared legal. White plantation owners would hire blacks, pay them little, and then fine them. In order to pay off these fines, blacks owed longer working times to the white plantation owner. Eventually, successful black began to appear and many white Southerners were outraged. As a result "The Invisible Empire of the South" or the "Ku Klux Klan" was formed. The Klan used intimidation and forceful tactics to keep blacks from reaching success and in some cases murdered many blacks. (American Pageant p. 483-494)
Throughout Chapter 22, these sections talk about many things. Such as the formation of the infamous Ku Klux Klan, factions emerging, Black codes, and the south turning to their experienced statesmen. In 1863, President Lincoln had proclaimed his Reconstruction plan. This plan aimed towards a state could be reintegrated into the Union. Factions were also surfacing and these factions agreed with the actions Lincoln was presenting. The Southern regimes had passed a thing called the Black Codes, this law had aimed to have a much stable and subservient labor force for emancipated blacks. But these codes had brought upon negative effects, such as it imposed terrible burdens on the unfettered blacks. Voters of the south had turned to their much experienced states men. Among them were 4 former confederate generals, 5 colonels, and various members of the Richmond cabinet and Congress. Then you have the formation of the deadly Ku Klux Klan formed in Tennessee in 1866, this group aimed towards brutality hurting the blacks and hated the actions that they presented. (AP. pg. 483-484, 484-485, 495, & 493-494)
After the Civil War there were many problems that had to be adressed. Reconstruction in the U.S came in two different phases; Presidential reconstruction, and Congressional Reconstruction. The presidential Reconstruction was by President Johnson, because of Licoln's assassination. It for special state conventions which required to repeal the ordinances of secession, repudiate all confederate debts, and ratify slave freeing 13th admendment(AP.pg.484).
In congressional Reconstruction congress tried finding ways of bringing educted southern leaders back into congress (AP. pg.485).
In the south they passed Blck codes which basically what the rights were for the now free back people. The severity of the codes were different throughout the states. But 3things were the same, no black man could vote, ownland or property, or be on a jury. This angered many Northerners because they felt that they fought for nothing.(AP.pg. 484).
In the south many white people were still very angry and formed the Ku Klux Klan. It was founded in Tennessee in 1866 and they killed A LOT of colored people out of pure hatred (AP.pg. 493).
I believe that the process of Reconstruction could have run more smoothly and been more efective. Many times there were disputes on whether or not the south should addmitted back into the Union so easily. This greatly hindered the U.S. from acheiving thier goal of reuniting the Union. One such incident was during the presidential reconstruction when Lincoln and Congress debated on the terms of unity. Lincoln preferred and strived to have the South reunite with the Union as soon as possible while on the other hand, people of congress felt that the south should suffer harsh punishments before being addmitted back into the union. This was just one of the roadblocks that hindered the process of reconstruction.
(A.P. Pg.483)
Presidential reconstruction started with the 10% plan that lincoln had. This was to restore the south into the union. Many feared that the restoration if the state would promote the re enslavement of the blacks. (AP pg483)
Chapter 22 of the AP book is about the ordeal of reconstruction. After the Civil War, Lincoln thought that seceded states didn't legally secede so he came up with 10%. ten percent of voters from each state could choose to re-join the union. Some laws called Black Codes were made to regulate the affairs of emancipated blacks. Mississippi was the first state of the south to pass these laws in 1865. These codes differed in severity but they all wanted to ensure stable and subsequent labor force. Blacks ended up having to do sharecropping which made people question if the north really won the war. Republicans didn't want the south restored because it could take over Congress or even the White House and re-enslave people. The success of black legislators made southern whites form a secret society called the Ku Klux Klan at Tennessee in 1866. During its first years they killed 300 people which caused the Forces Acts of 1870 and 1871.(AP p. 483-493)
I found it intersesting yet not surprising that Lincoln never belived that southern states never withdrew from the union, as well as how his Proclimation proveked a reaction in congress.(pg.483)
I did not agree however with the Baleful black codes only because i feel that it should have been their descision on whether or not they choose to aty with their master as well as the minimal pay.(pg.484) I really didnt agree with the Ku Klux Klan because of their veiws on blacks having freedoms.Tthey used terror to insil fear into the blacks and resisted the forceacts of 1870 and 1871.(pg.493)
After the Civil War came to an end, President Lincoln had to begin his attempt of Reconstruction. He came up with the "10 percent" plan, in which 10% of voters from a state had to pladge allegiance to the US in order for that state to rejoin the union. The 13th amendment was passed, freeing all slaves in the US. (AP, pp. 483-84)
The Black Codes were also passed to regulate affairs of the freed slaves. Some states mocked them and gave a bad impression (Ap, pp. 484-85)
Things were still awkward between the rejoined states and the US. While the Union was broken up, laws that satisfied the north were passed. The Republicans also feared that the Southerners would join the Democrats (AP, p. 485).
White Southerners were upset at the success of blacks. They were the Ku Klux Klan and they were ruthless when it came to punishing blacks although they were free. (AP, pp. 493-94)
Reconstruction was a very hard process for America. Reconstruction had to start with the president, hence the presidential reconstruction. Readmitting all the rebelling states was done by takin vote within the state; based on Lincoln's 10% ordeal. From this came differences within the republican party. Then there were radicals. They were people who did not want wealthy southerners back in power, so then began congressional reconstruction.
Blacks were also not treated equal so the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments were created; giving them freedom and the right to vote. However they were not treated with open arms into the free world. The Klu Klux Klan made it difficult to be successful and live in peace.
It is very surprising, to say the least, that the Union was able to reunite after the Civil War. The north was paranoid that the south would try and take control of the United States government and bring back slavery; this would be possible as, with slaves emancipated and seen as citizens, the south had a much larger population. Hence, they would have more congressional power and would be able to take away the republican majority. The south coming back to the union wasn't an overnight pledge of allegiance and many northerners questioned wether or not the former Confederate States of America could be trusted.
(AP pp. 483-485)
These sections were all about how the Civil War effected our country and how we had to re-build ourselves and the different obsticles that were present. We had to adjust to Lincol's assentation and congress changing from an all Northern to getting the South involved again even though there was still tention between the two sides. They still did not one side to have more power or privlages than the other(A.P pg458).
Even when our country was still reconstructing itself problems stil arose over the blacks. The Ku Klux Klan (KKK), this organization was based on terrorizing the blacks, makeing sure that they did not fell equal in no way (A.P pg.493-494)
With this I learned that the people didn't want the blacks to hold so much power in government. They wanted to take it back. There was black codes that really just re-enslaved the blacks. Why let them free if you are going to just make them into slaves again.Things were somewhat bad for the blacks.(American pageant pg 485)
Once done with the readings, one similarity I noticed they had was that each reading was related to the protection or worries of the protection of blacks and their rights. (AP, pp. 483-494) For example, The Congressional Reconstruction was about how the republicans were worried for the north and the blacks because now that the Confederacy had come back into the Union and the blacks were now considered five-fifths a person, the south now had more of a voice and influence in voting and electorial college. The republicans were worried that they would be able to take over congress and maybe re-enslave blacks. (AP, p. 485) It was interesting how the blacks gaining their freedom was in a way an advantage for the south.
The Reconstruction Era after the Civil War was a complex. The Republican President Lincoln wished not to punish the Southern States and admit them into the Union as swiftly as possible. Republicans did not see eye to eye with Lincoln and his 10 Percent Bill angered his followers. Republicans enjoyed a “free hand” in Congress that allowed multiple bills to be passed that benefited the North. Northerners feared that the new found political presence acquired with blacks being counted as a whole person, was enough for the South to gain control of the Congress and possible the White House. The assassination of Lincoln further problematized the situation since the initial course of action was handed off to Johnson who did not have the same vision. The oppression of blacks was slightly expected after the war, but conditions that were worse than slavery itself was something not foreseen by all. Black codes “mocked [the black’s] ideal freedom” since they created another form of slavery. Sharecropping put labors permanently in debt to the owner of the crop but did not clothe, feed or provide shelter to the labors. The Ku Klux Klan also delayed the status progression of blacks by striking fear in the hearts of those who attempted to escape the black status quo.
In the readings for week 7 i do not like how Lincoln created the 10% Reconstruction plan; rule on how if at least 10% of the voters in each of the rebellious states would then be able to re-join the Union. I truly disagree with this plan due to the fact that 10% is such a small percentage. Also 10% of the voters out of 90% of voters would have been so easily outrun but the other larger amount. In the section The Baleful Black Codes i like how the plantation owners would rent a part of their land to others who would pay rent for their portion of the land and of course in return the plantation owners would recieve a profit. That was a very wise action on their part. However when there is a pro there must always be a con. The con here is that i loathe how the codes imposed harsh penalties on the blacks who "jumped" theirs labor contracts. Now in the Confressional Reconstruction section i agree how each black man was counted as one instead of the 3/5 act, but dont like how the South had a major advantage over the North considering the South had a more big population because of the blacks. Now im the section The Ku Klux Klan i despise how some white southerners who hated blacks joined together in a group to just terrorize them fellow black men, women, and children. (The American Pageant chapter 22 Sections:Presidential Reconstruction, The Baleful Black Codes, Congressional Reconstruction, & The Ku Klux Klan)
The Reconstruction Era after the Civil War was a complex. The Republican President Lincoln wished not to punish the Southern States and admit them into the Union as swiftly as possible. Republicans did not see eye to eye with Lincoln and his 10 Percent Bill angered his followers. Republicans enjoyed a “free hand” in Congress that allowed multiple bills to be passed that benefited the North. Northerners feared that the new found political presence acquired with blacks being counted as a whole person, was enough for the South to gain control of the Congress and possible the White House. The assassination of Lincoln further problematized the situation since the initial course of action was handed off to Johnson who did not have the same vision. The oppression of blacks was slightly expected after the war, but conditions that were worse than slavery itself was something not foreseen by all. Black codes “mocked [the black’s] ideal freedom” since they created another form of slavery. Sharecropping put labors permanently in debt to the owner of the crop but did not clothe, feed or provide shelter to the labors. The Ku Klux Klan also delayed the status progression of blacks by striking fear in the hearts of those who attempted to escape the black status quo.
(American Pageant pgs. 483-487, 493-490)
Reconstruction was basically a delicate battle between the radical republicans who wanted to severely reprimand the South and the rest of the lenient population who wanted quick and peaceful resolution. This was basically divided into the first lenient half of presidential reconstruction and the second harsher congressional reconstruction. One of the many tensions in this era were the protection of blacks from upcoming agressions such as Black codes and Ku Klux Klan hate crimes
As I read about the reconstruction, I learned about how the Republicans were so bitter about the South reintegrating into the union and the consequences they believed the south should go through.(p.495) I learned about how "free" the blacks really were when they gained their freedom. Their lives were close to the same as before or even worse.(p.484)The Republicans gained much power and did not want to give any up or defeat the purpose of the Civil War.(p.486)
I believe the black codes were still a burden for the freed African American because they varied from state to state. Making freedom just what it was and not equality (AP-484).
Both the presidential and congressional reconstructions werent easy due to the fact that the north and the south had different views since they had been separated. (AP-483 & 485).
The KKK were quite a messed up group of people, that attacked innocent people. I think they were cowards because they only came out at night plus they hid who they were. (AP-494)
Reconstruction was split up into two halves, the lenient Presidential Reconstruction favoring a quick and peaceful resolution, and the latter harsh Congressional Reconstruction run by radical republicans favoring severe reprimanding of the South. Among the many tensions one of the most prominent were over black hate crimes such as Ku Klux affiliated activities or Black Codes. (TAP, Ch.22)
In this chapter we learned the ideals of presidential reconstruction; in presidential reconstruction the president believed that 10% of each southern state that succeeded would have to promise to remain loyal to the union and except it's doctrine, the president after Lincoln, president Johnson pocked up this idea but believed that the rich and wealthy should not be included in this 10%. Another addition to the United States were Baelful Black Codes, this allowed blacks to take part in congress along with ownin land do to share cropping, they would often end up in debt and attempt to run out on their contract which led to the Baelful Black Codes which would put a harsh punishment upon those who attemtempted to void their contract. The presidential reconstruction soon came to an end only to give birth to congressional reconstruction. Congress would do all in it's power to prevent re intergration of the south due to their new found voting power and their new ability to oppose and rise against the in challenged republican party. Finally the last factor covered in this was the rising of the klu klux klan, the klu klux klan consisted of whites whom opposed black equlality and took all and every means to punish the blacks such as beating, murders and etc.( T.A.P. Chptr. 22)
The Ku Klux Klan was a secret organization and one of the most brutial effects. The KKK was found in Tennessee in 1866. The Klan had become a refuge for numerous bandits and cutthroats. They would ruedly walk into into peoples houses and invade their privatcy. A new act was passed due to the outrage of the KKK. This act was called the harsh Force Acts of 1870 and 1871. However, by this time the KKK had already done what they wanted to do and all the damages that were created. The KKK was a dangerous group killing, whipping, and miss treating many people out in the streets and in their home in the middle of the night. They would mask their faces to hide their identiy, however, after awhile, the KKK had slowly faded away.
(American Pagent book, pp. 493-494)
Abraham Lincoln the president at the time was blind to how immense the northerners felt towards those of the south, in his eyes the southern states had never officially left the union so their return would not be a big ordeal. But Lincoln was wrong and realized that, when the northerners were not very welcoming. If Lincoln was really a wise man he would have sided with his people and not so easily accepted the Southerners back into the union, by doing this he would have avoided all controversy between both him and those in congress, and they could have come together to have an equal agreement one that didn’t necessarily entitle the southerners to all of the rights that congress said they forfeited when the seceders had left the union but one that gave them a limited amount of power enough for them to have somewhat of a say but not enough to overrule those who stayed loyal(northerners). (American Pageant pg 483 – 484)
After the civil war (and even before it ended), there was many debate on how to reconstruct the nation. Lincoln never thought the south even left the union, and therefore, came up with a 10% plan; if 10% of the state agreed to "join" the union, they would be accepted. Lincoln was shot before he could put this in effect, however, "Andy" Johnson the (vice) president, agreed with Lincoln and kept his plan, with a few changes.
South states wanted it their way though. They instituted the "black codes" to mock the 13th amendment. They gave limited rights to now-free blacks. The South tried to manipulate congressional reconstruction. Lastly, when all this failed, some southerners formed the KKK to spread fear. The KKK's goal was white supremacy. Congress tried to stop them, but by the time they took action, the KKK had use intimidation to their advantage.
(AP pg 483-486, 493)
The Reconstruction period was after that of the Civil War. Its main purpose was to "Reconstruct" or "rebuild" the south after the war. Presidential reconstruction , the Baleful Black Codes and Constitutional Reconstruction are all the things that were experienced after wards while trying to get things back in order. (A.P. pgs. 483-485)
The Ku Klux Klan was a group of people that formed together and beat and even killed blacks. They believed that blacks didn't have the same rights as whites and shouldn't. (p.493)
In trying to reconnect the Confederate States and the Union, President Lincoln devised a plan that will guarantee the entrance of each state that has 10% of voters participating in the presidential election and that are fully aware that they are demanded to follow the emancipation proclamation. (AP p.483-484). The Congress didn't like this and created their own plan to reconstruct the government in order to get their views across. Congress wanted there to be 50% voters and no emancipation proclamation of course the president didn't agree to there therms. (AP p. 485). The South had still felt unheard and not truely back into the Union, they disliked the emancipation proclamation, but it was still in full affect so the South showed their hatred through the free blacks. There were guidelines that made the blacks have little to no rights. (AP p. 484). Plus, there were some Southerners that beat and killed the blackman. There murderers were called the Ku Klux Klan. (AP p. 493-494). The reconstruction tried to reunite both sides, but it ended up havin the South take their anger with the North and laws out on the blacks. They were the ones that suffered greatly through his time period.
Even after the Civil War the freed blacks still suffered a lot of prejudice. The reading for this week were very interesting because when compared to now, we realize how much everything has changed and that the blacks and government had to go through a lot to pick themselves up. In the southern states that had the Black code, which kept the freed blacks as slaves even though the north had already won the war and the blacks freed forever.(AP pg.484)The Black Codes were unfair and unjust and wrong on the part of the South. I believe that the Republicans had a right to be angered when the South was let back in with no re-precautions because they had fought the Union and the government, and were trying to keep the blacks as slaves.(AP pg.485)The rise of the Ku Klux Klan was perhaps the worst time for the blacks because they were being discouraged to vote as the South was trying to take control and re-enslave the blacks in binding contracts, as the Klan increased in numbers the blacks once again had to go into hiding and give up their rights.(AP pg.493)
Life for a slave after the civil war ended was not all good and dandy like most people thought it would be. Since they were not considered citizens living alone was a constant battle. White southerners hated them for wanting freedom so they thought if liberty was what they so longed for then they would get. In giving them freedom, whites shunned the blacks as if they were a plaugue. The reconstruction that the congress let out were the 13th,14th,and 15th.amendments. these essentially gave all blacks citizenship and. sufferage. (Just men for voting.) {TAP, p. 485-486}
The result of these amendments was rather disheartening. Many organizations were made in order to make sure that no black man could take part in government. Lives were lost due to parties such as the Ku Klux Klan, a group of white men who passionately loathed the thought of blacks having a role in society let alone the government. (TAP, p. 493-494)
President Abrham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson were both in agreement that the south should be brought back into the Union. Their Reconstruction plan in 1864 was the 10 percent plan where that state wuold be allowed back into the union when 10% of that states voters for the presidential election had agreed in allegiance to the United States. Black codes were laws used to regulate the affaires of emancipated blacks.The black codes aimed to ensure a stable labor force, they also restored the pre-emancipation system of race relations. Although many of the blacks were free the black codes made them live in poverty and become sharecroppers. Many of the Northern Republicans feared that the Southerners would try to take over and reenforce the Black Codes, which would lead to re enslavign the blacks. With these fears it made them think,"who really won the war?"
the group of whites who resented Blacks were known as the Ku Klux Klan, which were founded in Tennesse in 1866. This group of people flogged, mutilated and sometimes even killed the blacks. As they caused much harm Congress was outraged and passed the harsh Force Act of 1870 and 1871. Although they passed this it was a little late because they had already scared and intimidated many of the blacks, and still continued their bad deeds.
Through the Civil War much tension and distruction was built up in betweeen the North and South. Through this reading we ]learned that much of this tension continued on after the Civil War. During the period of Reconstruction a major issue was readmittance to the Union. Although the North and South were to become one country again many people in Congress believed that the south pshould be punished and let back in slowly. They believed that they must meet certain demands such as ratify the 13th amendment. (AP, p. 485) Although Congess pushed the Confederate states to grat the former slaves there freedom, their mal treatment continued. Even after being free the former states in rebellion sought to make their freedom worse than slavery. They did so by enacting different proclomations that made Black peoples lives increasingly difficult. These codes became known as the Black Codes and dicreased their opportunities and made it fdifficult for thwe new freedmen to uphold their freedom. (AP, p. 484) Through this great tenion groups who held a very profound dislike for Blacks and wanted to prevent any means of them moving up in society began to arise. They would attack former slaves and made their lives unbarable. One such group was known as the Klu Klux Klan. (AP, p. 493) This shows that all though the war was over and reconstruction began the United States' problems were far from over.
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