The Politics of Reconstruction - Exam Revision Sheet

1. 📌 Essentials

• Reconstruction aimed to restore the Union after the Civil War with different political plans.
• Lincoln’s Ten Percent Plan prioritized reconciliation and quick reunification.
• Johnson’s Presidential Reconstruction was lenient,oning many ex-Confederates.
• Black Codes were laws restricting Black civil rights post-war.
• Radical Republicans pushed for military control and civil rights via Reconstruction Acts- The 14th Amendment granted citizenship and equal protection under the law.
• The 15th Amendment secured voting rights for Black men.
• Johnson’s impeachment limited presidential veto power, enabling Radical policies.
• Reconstruction shifted power from executive to legislative branches.
• Violence and resistance, including the KKK, challenged Reconstruction efforts.

2. 🧩 Key Structures & Components