Reconstruction Test - US History
How did TN become "reconstructed" and given a seat in Congress?
Congress: Any ex-Confederate state that ratified the 14th amendment = reconstructed and given seat. TN Ratifies but Johnson tells the others in South to reject it.
What Supreme Court decision said blacks were not citizens?
**Dred Scott**
What were the initial results of the Election of 1876?
1. Results: -Tilden was one electoral away from winning... but in LA, SC, FL the results came back disputed (fraud + irregularities from bulldozed districts) -Create a special commission (really mostly Republicans) who decide in an 8-7 partisan vote: all awarded to Hayes -Democrats cry foul and begin a filibuster to delay final electoral count so it goes to H of R...
Why did Grant win the election of 1868?
1. Democrats: Horatio Seymour -Platform: "This is a white man's country, let white men rule" 2. Republicans: Ulysses S. Grant -Platform: Waving the bloody shirt/reminded Northern voters of hardships of the Civil War. Said Democratic party was a party of rebellion. Majority was due in part to 500,000 black votes in the South in his favor./need new 15th amendment to get Northern black voters
What is the Gilded Age?
-1870s - 1890s; period of time that looked good on the outside, despite the corrupt politics & growing gap between the rich & poor. -Unprecedented growth and corruption plagued Grant's administration --Patronage -Corruption and Materialism: Reconstruction, and especially civil rights are less important.
Why did legislative support wane?
-Democrats control the House; N. ready to "move on" → stopped giving money to Freedmen's Bureau, justice department, and army -Amnesty Act of 1872
Explain the Compromise of 1877.
-Hayes gets the presidency -End "bayonet rule" (end Reconstruction); no more military intervention on behalf of Republicans would occur -Hayes promised support for federal $ to rebuild levees + $ for Southern railroad -In return: Asks for fair treatment for blacks
What was the Enforcement Act of 1870-1871
-Interfering with voting rights became a federal offense; -Any attempt to deprive a person of civil or political rights became a felony
What happened to the Freedmen's Bureau Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1866?
-Johnson Vetoes Bills -⅔ Congress OVERRIDES AJs VETOES!
What are Jim Crow laws?
-Segregation: -Jim Crow Laws (Began 1890) -Had separate facilities
What was the 14th amendment?
1. (June 1866/Ratified 1868) Necessary to uphold 1866 Civil Rights Act: -Guarantees citizenship to blacks and prohibits states from abridging citizen's rights, including depriving citizens of: --Life, liberty, or property without due process of the law --"Equal protection of the law" (i.e. can't have black codes) -Disqualified a significant number of ex-Confederates from holding office -Rejected debt from the CSA (meaning ex-CSA states would have to pay it themselves) -Penalized a state if it kept and eligible person from voting by reducing that state's proportional representation in Congress and the electoral college -Allowed Congress to enforce the amendment (i.e. states would be punished for not protecting rights, supposedly) -Need 14th amendment because need ¾ state and ⅔ Congress to reverse amendment -Now blacks have the constitutional right to go to STATE and FEDERAL courts/equal protection under the law (law can't be applied differently/can't have black codes)
Summarize Lincoln's Plan for Reconstruction. [Include his goals, his beliefs, what his plan was]
1. 10% Plan (Dec. 1863): Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction 2. Rationale: -Goal: Reunite the nation as painlessly and quickly as possible -Beliefs: States had never truly left the Union; most Confederates didn't actually support the CSA 3. The Plan? -Bypassed Congress and allowed the states to be reestablished by meeting a minimum loyalty test -Pardon Confederates who took an oath of allegiance to accepted emancipation of slaves (all but highest ranking) -When 10% of voters did this, a new constitution (which eliminated slavery) and a state government could re-establish and accepted by the president -**Forgiving the South as quickly as they can**
1870-1871
1. 15th Amendment What: Amendment that prohibited the states from denying the right to vote on the basis of "race, color, or previous condition of servitude" -Cause: Radical Reconstruction; CSA states had to ratify to be readmitted; African-Americans contributions in the Civil War -Effect: Granted voting rights to black Americans; would be effectively denied 2. Enforcement Act of 1870-1871 -What: Gave the president the power to enforce the 14th, 15th amendment; made it a federal offense to interfere with 14th/15th amendment rights -Cause: 15th Amendment; combat attacks on the voting rights of African Americans from state officials or violent groups like the KKK -Effect: 1000s of klansmen were arrested, and while most of them were freed, it "broke the back" of the KKK before the election of 1872, in part allowing for the reelection of Grant; temporary success; part would be ruled unconstitutional 3. KKK Act -What: gave the president the power to suspend the writ of habeas corpus and to send troops to combat the KKK and other white supremacy organizations; made state officials liable in federal court for depriving anyone of their 14th amendment rights -Cause: 14th Amendment; combat attacks on the voting rights of African Americans from state officials or violent groups like the KKK -Effect: 1000s of klansmen were arrested, and while most of them were freed, it "broke the back" of the KKK before the election of 1872, in part allowing for the reelection of Grant [temporary success]
Congress refused to seat the ex-CSA congressional delegates and in return Johnson vetoed two bills, the Freedmen's Bureau Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1866. Define them.
1. AJ vs. Congress: -Hatred of Johnson's Plan Increases # of Radical Republicans -Congress refuses to seat Ex-CSA Congressional Delegates 2. Freedom Bureau Act: increased the services and protection offered by the bureau by expanding its power and life 3. Civil Rights Act of 1866: nullified the black codes; guaranteed full citizenship and equal rights to blacks
1872
1. Amnesty Act of 1872 -What: General amnesty act that removed the last of the restrictions on ex-confederates, except for the top leaders [most top leaders then pardoned by Grant]/Congress can't undo a pardon -Cause: Part of the 14th amendment -Effect: It allowed Southern conservatives to vote for Democrats to retake control of state governments (Mississippi Plan) -Grant wins reelection, in part due to the black vote
By 1875, only 4 states remained under Republican control and white paramilitary organizations were out in the open. What was the "Mississippi Plan" and why was it successful?
1. Background: -White paramilitary organizations (i.e. White Leagues, Rifle Clubs, Red Shirts) are out in the OPEN -Grant sends troops just to hear the cries of military rule... becomes less willing to use troops again... 2. Mississippi Plan: State Election 1875: -Step 1: "Persuade" 10-15% of Republicans to switch (Economic Pressure and social ostracism) -Step 2: Intimidate black voters (Economic pressure and mostly VIOLENCE) -Last Step: Win the Election!! --Grant rejects a plea for troops from the Republican governor of Mississippi = Plan works → Democrats gain control! -Then judicial support waned: Courts restricted federal action in protecting civil rights of blacks.
Who was in the Republican governments?
1. Carpetbaggers -Northern settlers in the South -Reality: --Most were just Union army officers who stayed with FB, teachers, business investors, ministers --Some went to plunder --Most were college graduates, most brought money (capital) + human capital (themselves), risked their lives -Southern Perception: Taking advantage of the South 2. Scalawags: -Southern, White Republicans! -Southern Perception: traitors to the South/troublemakers -Reality: former Whigs who wanted economic development for their state and peace between the sections 3. Blacks -Southern Perception: ignorant and illiterate, "Africanization" of Southern governments (Negro Rule) -Reality: most African Americans were educated property holders with moderate property beliefs/Black Senate and House Delegates/ex-CSA were angry --Only held 15-20% of public offices/not close to proportion of their population only in SC blacks got a majority in the lower house
1875
1. Civil Rights Act of 1875 -What: Made it a federal crime for an individual to deny full and equal use of public places (i.e. hotels, railroads, etc.) and to prohibit courts from excluding African Americans from juries -Effect: For a time, helps to guarantee 14th amendment rights; part would be ruled unconstitutional 2. Mississippi Plan -What: By 1875, only 4 states remained under Republican control and white paramilitary organizations were out in the open. Democrats devised a plan to win control of the state legislature by "persuading" people to vote Democrat using economic pressure and social ostracism, intimidated black voters using the same, but also violence -Cause: Amnesty Act of 1872; Grant decides not to send troops again Effect: Grant doesn't send in troops, so Democrats gain control in Mississippi; other states follow
There was one last legislative attempt to help, though it was poorly enforced. What was the civil rights act of 1875?
1. Civil Rights Act of 1875: -Crime for an individual to deny full + equal use of public places (i.e. hotels, railroads, etc.), and prohibited courts from excluding African Americans from juries. -**Poorly enforced...no no new act for 90 years -One last attempt!
1883
1. Civil Rights Cases 1883 -What: Supreme Court case that ruled that the Civil Rights Act of 1875 was unconstitutional, saying that the 14th amendment gave Congress the power to outlaw discrimination by the states, but NOT by private individuals; legalized segregation in private accommodations; states that blacks must no longer "be the special favorites of the law" -Effect: Individuals were relegated to appealing to the STATE government to stop such discrimination of the 14th
1877
1. Compromise of 1877 -What: Hayes gets the presidency, asks for fair treatment of blacks; in return promises to end military intervention in the South and to give money to the South so they can rebuild levees and railroads -Effect: Troops removed; end of Reconstruction; end of federal attempts to protect black rights (for now); all Southern states run by Democrats 2. Jim Crow Laws -What: State by state laws that enforced legal segregation from until 1968 -Effect: Legalized segregation
1865
1. Freedmen's Bureau Act of 1865 -What: The Freedmen's Bureau (US Bureau of Refugees, Freedman, and Abandoned Lands) was established by an act of Congress in 1865. The organization was meant to help former black slaves and poor whites in the South after the Civil War. -Cause: The bureau was necessary because after the civil war, nearly 4,000,000 slaves were newly freed without proper education or job training. Additionally, the southern economy was a mess and land ownership was quite confusing following the war; signed into law by Lincoln -Effect: The bureau provided food, housing, set up hospitals, established schools and provided legal assistance to newly freed slaves as well as reuniting separated slave families. 2. Johnson's Plan -What: Pardon for most (those that take loyalty oath and support 13th amendment), who would then go on to vote on a new state constitution, which had to reject slavery/secession; Confederate officials and wealthy wre required to individually apply for a presidential pardon -Cause: Lincoln's assassination -Effect: 13th amendment ratified; Southern states take advantage: blacks were denied voting rights, violence against blacks doesn't stop, black codes passed; Johnson pardons all who ask and returns lands to all those that he pardons; Congress refuses to seat ex-CSA congressional delegates 3. 13th Amendment -What: Ended slavery in the U.S. as an institution that was legal, except in the punishment of a crime -Cause: Emancipation Proclamation, Civil War, Johnson's Plan -Effect: Freed the slaves 4. Black Codes -What: Laws passed by southern states in 1865 and 1866 intended to keep the black Americans in a lower class, forced labor, or low wages -Cause: Emancipation Proclamation, Civil War, Johnson's Plan -Effect: Restricted the freedom of African Americans in many southern states, prevented them from earning a fair wage or gaining gainful employment, kept African Americans in a lower economic class; reduced freed people to new form of servitude; restores the system of race relations; guaranteed labor force for whites 5.Sharecropping -What: System in which landlord provides land, supplies, etc. in return for a share of crops produced -Cause: Johnson's Plan; Reconstruction -Effect: Trapped African-Americans in a cycle of poverty, often in debt to their former masters; reduced freed people to new form of servitude; restores the system of race relations; guaranteed labor force for whites 6. KKK -What: Hate group that terrorized black Americans after the civil war & freedom was granted to the slaves, promoted white supremacy; sought to overthrow Republican state gov'ts in the south and destroy the Republican party by terrorizing its voters and by murdering its leaders -Effect: Restricted the freedom of African Americans in many southern states, terrorized & caused a lot violence towards African Americans
1866
1. Freedmen's Bureau Act of 1866 -What: increased the services and protection offered by the bureau by expanding its power and life; passed overJohnson's veto -Effect: Helps for now (eventually abandoned, but does allow many black schools to be set up) 2. Civil Rights Act of 1866 -What: Guaranteed full citizenship and equal rights to male black; passed over Johnson's veto -Cause: Johnson's Plan, Black Codes, Radical Republicans -Effect: Nullified black codes; Didn't have much of an effect b/c the KKK undermined this act; would lead to 14th amendment 3. TN Reconstructed Taking a "deal" from Congress and the Radical Republicans, TN agrees to help ratify the 14th amendment, and in return is considered "reconstructed" and given seats in Congress 4. Midterm Election 1866: Radical Republicans gain control of Congress -What: Radical Republicans voted into control in US Congress in 1866, with over 2/3rds of the seats; this allowed them to push through an agenda that gave more rights to African Americans, combatted by the southern government's, white supremacist movement, and Andrew Johnson -Effect: Restarted Reconstruction in all of the states (except TN); passed radical reconstruction through congress, including the rules for readmittance into the Union, set up 5 military districts under Union army control; required the passage of the 14th and (eventually) 15th amendments to be readmitted
Summarize Johnson's Plan for Reconstruction. [Include his goals, what his plan was] (May 1865)
1. Goal: -Wants to quickly reunite the country -Make the process harder for upper-class whites* Excludes all blacks 2. The Plan: -Pardon for most 50% (loyalty oath + support 13th amendment, which ended slavery),who would then go on to vote a new state constitution, that rejected slavery/secession (similar to Lincoln's plan) -Confederate officials and wealthy ($20,000) were required to apply individually for a Presidential pardon (different from Lincoln) -Not enough Northerners to ratify 13th amendment/need to force South to support them
Grant sent in federal troops... why did this really not do much?
1. Hamburg Massacre (SC): -Battle between a black militia unit and 200 Red Shirts resulted in the capture of several militiamen, 5 of whom were shot "while attempting to escape." 2. Didn't Do much: -Could do little in backcountry districts so it was hard to get troops to those places -Likely lost at least 250,000 votes
What happened with Hayes as president?
1. Hayes keeps his promise: -Federal troops left capitals of LA + SC -South gets $ for internal improvements -Last 2 Republican state government collapsed
What were some of the things that the Freedmen's Bureau did? Explain whether or not it was successful.
1. Help the transition from a slave society→ free 2. Federal agency, supervised/staffed by the Army -Provide food, shelter, medical aid (white + black) -Supervised labor contracts, protect rights of former slaves -Resettle freed blacks on confiscated lands in the South 3. Johnson's Presidency hinders success of the bureau 4. Greatest success: education -3000 schools for freed blacks including several colleges and taught 200,000 blacks how to read
Consider the four questions at the beginning of the reading: How did the country "answer" each of them?
1. How do we bring the South back into the Union? (How do we allow the states back into the Union) -All states were allowed in under Radical Reconstruction (Congressional Plan). -TN never under martial law (just help to ratify the 14th amendment. 2. How do we rebuild the South after its destruction during the war? -They mostly put it on the South to rebuild. -Given some federal funding due to the Compromise of 1877. 3. How do we integrate and protect newly- emancipated black freedmen? -Freedmen's Bureau helps briefly (schools) but it's eventually defunded -13th, 14th, 15th amendments ratified but their effectiveness greatly decreased by the courts "40 acres and a mule" is ignored (no economic compensation or power) 4. What branch of gov't should control the process of Reconstruction? -Congress
Simplify/summarize the major questions the US had to answer after the Civil War was over.
1. How would the South reconstruct their economy and society? 2. Where would the 4 million freed African-Americans go? 3. What power did the federal government have to help the ex-slaves? 4. Should the states that remained on Lincoln's side be conquered as subjected territory for military occupation? 5. What would it take for the Confederacy to be fully equal partners in the new Union? 6. Who had the authority to Reconstruct? Is it the president or Congress?
What is the significance of "Lost Cause myth"?
1. It was a victory narrative over Reconstruction. 2. It ignites white supremacy/had racial vengeance. 3. Rewrite history: looks at all these problems and says they're fine 4. Normalizes lynching, the fact that the amendments aren't enforced (60-70 years of nothing being done), changes the effects of civil rights
1868
1. Johnson Impeached -What: Andrew Johnson removes Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton; becomes the first president to be impeached -Cause: Radical Republicans' rift with Johnson; Tenure of Office Act -Effect: Found not guilty by one vote; Johnson just "finishes up" his term 2. 14th Amendment -What: Amendment that guarantees citizenship to blacks; prohibits states from denying citizen's rights; promises "equal protection under the law"; disqualified a significant number of ex-Confederates from holding office unless 2/3rd of Congress agrees to override -Cause: Uphold Civil Rights Act of 1866; Radical Reconstruction; CSA states had to ratify to be readmitted; Blacks were not citizens because of Dred Scott; Congress wanted to ensure it would be much harder to repeal -Effect: Granted citizenship to black Americans; would be effectively denied -Grant wins election of 1868, in part, due to the black vote; a lot of corruption happens during Grant's terms (Gilded Age)
Explain why Johnson was impeached.
1. Johnson tries to undermine Congress. For example he tried to replace commanders of military districts with Democrats. Congress attempts to control Johnson/protect Radical Republicans by passing two laws (override) -Command of Army Act -Tenure of Office Act*- president couldn't remove any federal offices without the Senate's approval -AJ, "breaking" the unconstitutional (?) law, dismisses Secretary of State Edwin Stanton
What was the new goal of the KKK?
1. Many white societies form to intimidate blacks and white reformers 2. KKK, formed in 1867, by ex-CSA general Forrest: stop freedmen from voting, but army lessens their influence 3. New Goal: destroy the Republican Party by terrorizing its voters and by murdering its leaders -Social ostracism -Burn schools -Economic intimidation -**Violence
Explain the accomplishments and failures of the new Constitutions/governments under Radical Reconstruction
1. New Constitution/Government (1867-1868): -Constitutional Conventions and state government controlled by white Republicans under military protection. Most saw Republicans as a symbol of "conquest and humiliation". 2. Accomplishments: Relatively progressive laws/constitutions: -Universal male suffrage; property rights for women, etc. -Internal improvements -Hospitals, asylums, schools, etc. -New tax systems 3. Failures: -Corruption (but this was part of a larger, national issue) -Violence
1873
1. Panic of 1873 -What: Grant's 2nd term began with an economic disaster that rendered 1000s of Northern laborers both jobless and homeless. Unemployment rose to 14% and it lasted for 5 years. -Cause: Over speculation by financiers and over building by industry and railroads led to widespread bank and business failures and depression. -Effect: Democrats won the House in 1874, helping to end Reconstruction
1896
1. Plessy v. Ferguson -What: Supreme Court case that upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation laws for public facilities as long as the segregated facilities were equal in quality ("separate but equal") -Effect: Legalized segregation
In what ways was the Reconstruction Period a success? Consider both what the government did and what individuals were able to accomplish. (At least 5)
1. Ratification of the 13th, 14th, 15th amendment gave African-Americans the right to vote 2. Enforcement Act of 1870-1871 made it so interfering with voting rights became a federal offense 3. Compromise of 1877 where Hayes becomes president and he gave the South $ for internal improvements 4. For a few years there was some commitment by the federal government to protect black rights (i.e. KKK Act allowed president to suspend writ of habeas corpus and arrested thousands of clansmen) 5. Freedmen's Bureau established schools for blacks 6. All Southern states re-entered the Union 7. New Republican governments had built hospitals, tax-supported schools for whites and blacks, and other public programs, and building internal improvements 8. For a few years, blacks were in government, able to vote (even elected national office) 9. African-Americans built their own communities, including black churches 10. Southern economy starts to recover
Explain the plan under Radical Reconstruction.
1. Reconstruction Acts of 1867 (March 1867): -Restarts Reconstruction in 10 Southern states -5 military districts, under control of Union army -To win readmission: ratify the 14th amendment + place guarantees in state constitution granting the equal rights for white and blacks, include the right to vote (males)
What were the 3 results of black codes and sharecropping?
1. Reduced freed-people to new form of servitude 2. Restores system of race relations 3. Guaranteed a labor force for whites
What were the goals of the Radical Republicans?
1. Republicans split: Lincoln + Moderates: wanted economic gains for white middle class and forgiveness of the South, split from Radical Republicans of Thaddeus Stevens and Charles Sumner. 2. Goals: -Destroy the political power of former slaveholders and punish the South. They said that Lincoln was too lenient and his rules allowed for the same people to return to power. -Economic and Political power for blacks (they had died for the Union!)/some wanted free people to get land from the planter class and get schools for blacks 3. Wade-Davis Bill (Radical Republicans in Congress) -50% must swear loyalty (that they had never aided in rebellion) -Only non-Confederates could vote or hold office -VETOOOOOO
Why did Grant win the election of 1872?
1. Republicans: -Ulysses S. Grant --Platform:: "Waving the Bloody shirt" 2. Liberal Republicans + Democrats: -Horace Greeley --Platform: -Remove the troops from the South (bayonet rule) -End military intervention -Move on from the Civil War! -Anything to beat grant
In what ways did the Reconstruction Period fail to accomplish its goals? (At least 4)
1. Sharecropping/no economic help for African-Americans (majority kept in poverty) 2. Failure to stop violence (remove the troops) 3. Legalized segregation when Reconstruction officially ends (Jim Crow Laws, no social integration) 4. Failed to enforce 14/15 amendment rights (left up to the states... which in the South means no protection; Supreme Court cases) 5. White secessionists could serve in Congress 6. Black codes forced labor contracts onto blacks 7. KKK formed
What are some of the ideas included in the concept of "Lost Cause"?
1. South rewrites history: Said that slavery wasn't that bad so the 14th amendment wasn't necessary.. 2. South claimed to be a "perfect" society that was hit by "Northern aggression" and South never did anything wrong 3. Reconstruction was the lowest point in American history because blacks were in charge of government and then KKK came in and saved them: Wanted to prove that black people were inferior and a dangerous threat to society 4. Said black people were "content" and in the "order of things" 5. Said war was about states' rights
How were the ideas of the Lost Cause spread/popularized?
1. South said they fought a heroic battle 2. Media spread false ideas (i.e. Gone with the Wind)/supported by president 3. Groups like the KKK 4. There were monuments all over southern states, to create a heroic narrative/spread fear and prove white dominance/scared African-Americans
Why was the Southern perception of each of these groups wrong?
1. Southern Perception of Carpetbaggers: Taking advantage of the South 2. Southern Perception of Scalawags: traitors to the South/troublemakers 3. Southern Perception of Blacks: ignorant and illiterate, "Africanization" of Southern governments (Negro Rule)
What is sharecropping?
1. Tenancy + Sharecropping: -Landlord provides land, supplies, etc. in return for a share of crops produced by blacks
1867
1. Tenure of Office Act -What: The President could not remove any federal officials [esp. Cabinet members] or military commander without the approval of the Senate, if the position originally required Senate approval; passed over Johnson's veto (also at the same time as command of army act: president must issue all Reconstruction orders through commander of military) -Cause: Radical Republicans' rift with Johnson -Effect: Leads to Johnson's impeachment
"Reconstruction less failed than it was actually defeated." Explain what this sentence means, using specific examples from the unit.
1. The Panic of 1873 caused people's economic concerns began to shift 2. North gets tired of "Southern" politics and constant turmoil and they want "military rule" 3. Democrats controlled the House and since the North was "ready to move on", they stopped giving money to the Freedmen's Bureau, justice department, and army 4. The General Amnesty Act of 1872 removed the last of the restrictions on ex-Confederates, other than the top leaders. This meant that Southern conservatives could vote for Democrats to retake control of state governments 5. After the Civil Rights Act of 1875, there wasn't another act till 90 years later. 6. Leads to the opposite of what they wanted: No southern integration (i.e. KKK and Jim Crow Laws) 7. Gains of Reconstruction were actively fought against
Why did the public get tired of Reconstruction?
1. The Panic of 1873 caused people's economic concerns to shift. 2. Corruption scandals: Discredit Republican leaders, both at a national and state level 3. North = tired of the focus on "Southern" politics and endless turmoil; cries of "military rule" gains an audience -Return of White Supremacy
What was at the center of black communities?
1. The center wants emancipation because it was a way to get independence from white people. -Building Black Communities: Churches, Schools -Organizing Voting Leagues -Migrating or Sharecropping -Have black senator for the first time
1876
1. US v. Cruickshank (1876) -What: Supreme Court case that ruled that the federal government could only prevent states (not individuals) from denying 14th amendment rights -Effect: Left to the states to protect 14th amendment rights 2. US v. Reese (1876) -What: Supreme Court case that ruled that the 15th amendment didn't give individuals the right to vote; it just merely forbade states from denying the right to vote based on "race, color, or previous condition of servitude" -Effect: States sidestepped the 15th amendment with literacy tests, poll tax, grandfather clause (claimed applied to all citizens, but only really stopped blacks from voting 3. Election of 1876 -What: Presidential election that had a controversial end; Tilden (Democrat) was one electoral vote away from winning but a number of states had disputed results (bulldozed districts); a special commission was created to decide who would get the votes; All of the votes awarded to Hayes (Republican) -Effect: Democrats cry foul, begin a filibuster to delay final electoral count so it goes to the House of Representatives; some concern of another civil war; leads to Compromise of 1877
What are black codes? List some examples.
1. What: Laws adopted by Southern state legislatures that restricted the rights and movements of former slaves. -Punished blacks more severely -Stopped blacks from renting or borrowing money to buy land -Made it illegal to be a vagrant (wander) or unemployed→ Force to sign work contracts -Excluded from juries, testifying 2. Labor of Blacks -Forced labor-contracts -Lack of money leads to shared wages: payment of wages in crops -Gang labor like slavery -Cycle of Poverty -Forced black kids into labor force --If blacks refused, they coud be forced into labor without pay -Blacks can't testify in court -Can't borrow land/have to work for someone else
When Johnson's plan went into effect, all 11 ex-CSA states quickly qualified to re-enter the Union and the 13th amendment (outlawing slavery) was ratified in the process. Why was Congress still angry with Johnson (What were the other 3 effects of his plan?)
1. Within 8 months, 11 of the ex-CSA states qualified under the plan to rejoin the Union -****13th Amendment, officially ending slavery ratified (12/1865) -Blacks denied voting rights; Violence against blacks is not stopped 2. Johnson pardons all that ask him (13,500) -100s of ex-Confederate leaders elected back into office (i.e. Alex Stephens (former CSA VP) was elected as Georgia Senator) -Ends efforts of the Freedmen's Bureau to resettle blacks on confiscated land 3. Radical Republicans fears are REALIZED!! -Blacks had no rights -White secessionists could even serve in Congress
1863
10% Plan: Lincoln announces a plan for reconstructing those Confederate states already under Union control.
CIVIL RIGHTS CASES 1883
And finally, in 1883, two cases, grouped together, declared the Civil Rights Act of 1875 unconstitutional, saying the 14th amendment gave Congress the power to outlaw discrimination by the states, but NOT by private individuals. Thus, just as with the US v. Cruikshank, individuals were relegated to appealing to STATE gov. to stop such discrimination.... (which we know did nothing). The rationale according to the SCOTUS justices was that Black people must no longer "Be the special favorites of the law." This ended federal attempts to protect black rights until well into 20th century, relegating it solely to the states.
PRESIDENTIAL RECONSTRUCTION: Johnson Explain why Andrew Johnson was a "nasty surprise" for Congress.
Andrew Johnson supported the interest of poor whites in their economic conflict with rich planters. He was chosen in 1864 to attract votes and now in 1865 he became president because he was the only Southern senator to not secede and he was a Democrat. He was a white supremacist. He created a plan that would hinder the success of the bureau.
What was the final end to reconstruction came with the election of 1876?
At this point, federal troops had been withdrawn from all but 3 Southern States - SC, FL, LA. The Democrats have returned to power in all ex- Confederate states except these. This fact was to play a critical role in the presidential election.
e. CSA states must write a new constitution that guarantees African- American suffrage [eventually must help ratify 15th amendment]
Congress (Rad. Rep.)
f. Must help ratify the 14th amendment
Congress (Rad. Rep.)
h. Army would register ALL voters that had remained loyal to the Union
Congress (Rad. Rep.)
i. Former Confederate states would be divided into military districts
Congress (Rad. Rep.)
j. Was the final Reconstruction plan implemented
Congress (Rad. Rep.)
RETREAT FROM RECONSTRUCTION
During Grant's 2nd term, it was apparent that Recon. had entered another phase, which proved to be its 3rd and final round. With Radical Rep. on the wane, southern conservatives—known as redeemers—took control of 1 state gov't after another. This process was completed by 1877. The redeemers had different backgrounds, but they agreed on their political program: states' rights, reduced taxes, reduced spending on social programs, and white supremacy.
Describe the violence African-Americans faced after Reconstruction ended.
End of Reconstruction:No more military intervention, blacks abandoned. Lots of lynching. Lots were killed now that they were freed and since they were free, they were not of any monetary value so now they didn't have anything to lose out on their profits. Organized groups came about since blacks could now vote. They were a counter revolution against Reconstruction. They were burned, beaten, tortured. The Colfax Massacre-gubernatorial election/Blacks were killed in cold blood for protecting a newly voted black senator-->led to Cruikshank vs. US. Then, black voting participation started to decrease/eventually wasn't any black person in a House seat. Lynching was used to make sure the 14th amendment would never be realized/based on the notion that blacks were inferior and born criminals. Ida B. Wells-investigative journalist/black woman who recorded what was going on/goes to other countries and tells them what was going on/other countries start to pressure America because of this violence/early founder of NAACP/lost three men in Memphis because they were killed by white mob that was threatened by their successful business. Local government didn't record black deaths so SIGNIFICANT that IDA B. WELLS DID. Bankers, businessmen, doctors were killing people innocently, showing despite the 14th amendment, they "ran" this town/county,etc. Northern and southern violence aren't that different. Lynchings done as an event in broad daylight/thought it was funny and enjoyable/thought it was a good thing because they were "ridding their town of crime".
What is patronage?
Gave jobs and government favors or spoils to their supporters. It led to corruption, even in Grant's cabinet. His Secretary of State was impeached for selling appointments to army posts and his Attorney General resigned under suspicion of wrongdoing.
What did the Amnesty Act of 1872 allow for?
General Amnesty Act that removed the last of the restrictions on ex-Confederates, except for the top leaders. It allowed Southern conservatives to vote for Democrats to retake control of state governments.
Why was Grant reluctant to use troops?
He was reluctant because he didn't want to be sentenced to military tyranny because he used to be a military commander and didn't want to be the president sending troops all over.
US V. CRUIKSHANK 1876
In the case US V. CRUIKSHANK, part of the Enforcement Act of 1870 was ruled unconstitutional. SCOTUS ruled that the Federal gov. could not legislate against individuals who denied others civil rights; as per the 14th amendment, they could only prevent STATES from doing it. Essentially what this meant was that blacks could be protected only by their state courts against white violence, which in the South meant, no protection at all.
c. Plan that would get the 13th amendment passed
Johnson
g. In practice, the plan favored assisting rich white southerners over freedmen
Johnson
Was Johnson removed from office?
Johnson is impeached, charged with 11 high crimes and misdemeanors. Senate vote one short of removal.
What happened during the 1866 midterm congressional elections? THINK ABOUT IT: Why is this number significant?
Johnson travels, giving speeches, attacking his opponents in Congress (appealed to racial prejudices of whites)--> Causes riots in Memphis + New Orleans.--> Radical Republicans sweep elections, winning over 2/3rd setting the stage for stringent reconstruction.
Believed that the states had never left; once 10% of the voters took an oath of allegiance and accepted emancipation, they can write a new constitution and re-establish a state government; all those that take the oath and accept emancipation (except for the highest ranking officials), will be pardoned by the president
Lincoln
a. Believed the President should be in charge of Reconstruction
Lincoln Johnson
d. Confederate states must elect new state governments
Lincoln Johnson Congress (Rad. Rep.)
Grant's 2nd term begin with an economic disaster that rendered 1000s of Northern laborers both jobless and homeless. In 1873 over speculation by financiers and over building by industry and railroads led to widespread bank and business failures and depression. Unemployment rose to 14% and it lasted for 5 years. What was the IMPORTANT POLITICAL CONSEQUENCE of the Panic of 1873 that occurred in the midterm elections?
Panic of 1873 occurred because there was speculation by financiers and overbuilding by industry and railroad led to widespread bank and business failures and depression. Democrats won the House.
WHY was part of the Enforcement Act ruled unconstitutional?
Part of the Enforcement Act was ruled unconstitutional because the SCOTUS said that the Federal government could not legislate against individuals who denied others civil rights via the 14th amendment.
What was the KKK Act?
President given power to suspend the writ of habeas corpus (when arrested DIDN'T have to be tol what crime was) + send in troops to suppress armed resistance to federal law
What is the 15th amendment?
Prohibits states from denying the right to vote on the grounds of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. (Ratified 1870). Its purpose was not only to prevent the reconstructed states from any future revocation of black suffrage, but also to extend equal suffrage to border states and to the North.
How did sharecropping trap African Americans in a cycle of poverty?
Shared croppers were dependent on land owners or in debt to local merchants. They had to buy supplies and this made the cycle go over and over.
Explain the loophole the South used to deny blacks voting rights
States gave everyone a poll tax, though they didn't allow blacks to pay it or they knew blacks couldn't pay it. Also they had grandfather clauses which meant only those whose fathers or grandfathers who voted prior to 1867 could vote. Literacy tests were run by whites who could deny blacks.
Explain the decision made in Plessy v. Ferguson and its significance.
The decision made in the cause was that Jim Crow Laws were constitutional as long as everything was separate but equal. In reality, non-whites were given inferior facilities and treatment. This legalized segregation for almost 60 years.
Explain the decision made in the Civil Rights Cases
The decision made was that the Civil Rights Act of 1875 was unconstitutional because the 14th amendment gave Congress the power to outlaw discrimination by the states but NOT by private individuals.
Explain the majority opinion from US v. Reese
The majority opinion is that the 15th amendment did not give any individual the RIGHT to vote; it only doesn't allow states to give citizens preferential treatment.
What did US v. Reese case mean for African-Americans in the South?
This case meant that states sidestepped black voting rights. They put up literacy tests, poll taxes, and a grandfather clause, which claimed to apply to ALL citizens, but they only stopped blacks from voting.
INTRODUCTION:
The silencing of the canons of war left the victorious U.S. with immense challenges. How would the South rebuild its shattered society and economy after the damage inflicted by 4 years of war? What would be the place in that society of 4 million freed African Americans? To what extent, if any, was the federal government responsible for helping ex-slaves (freedmen + freedwomen) adjust to freedom? Should the former states of the Confederacy be treated as states that had never really left the Union (Lincoln's position) or as conquered territory subject to continued military occupation? Under what conditions would the Confederate states be fully accepted as coequal partners in the restored Union? Finally, who had the authority to decide these questions of Reconstruction: the president or the Congress? The conflicts that existed before and during the Civil War-between regions, political parties, and economic interests-continued after the war. Republicans in the North wanted to continue the economic progress begun during the war. The Southern aristocracy still desired a cheap labor force to work its plantations. The freedmen and women hoped to achieve independence and equal rights. However, traditional beliefs limited the actions of the federal government. Constitutional concepts of limited government and states' rights discouraged national leaders from taking bold action. Little economic help was given to either whites or blacks in the South, because most Americans believed that free people in a free society had both an opportunity and a responsibility to provide for themselves. The physical rebuilding of the South was largely left up to the states and individuals, while the federal government concentrated on political issues. The lecture will focus on focus on political reconstruction: i.e. how will the former Confederate states rejoin the Union.
Who benefited under Johnson's plan? Who was hurt?
The white secessionists and former secessionists benefited and blacks were hurt by his plan.
1000s of klansmen were arrested, and while most were freed, what were these laws still successful in doing? (KKK Act)
They allowed one more presidential election for blacks to vote.
What did the Civil Rights Cases of 1883 mean for African-Americans in the South?
This meant that black people can't be the "favorites of the law" anymore. This ended federal attempts to protect black rights until well into the 20th century.
What did US v. Cruikshank case mean for African-Americans in the South?
This meant that blacks could be protected only by their state courts against white violence so in the South this meant no protection whatsoever.
US V. REESE 1876
US V. REESE was a similar case. This case started because 2 KY election officials had stopped blacks from voting. The case again involved the Enforcement Act of 1870, but in regards to the 15th amendment, asking the question, "Was the Enf. Act of 1870 a valid exercise of Congress' power to enforce the 15th amendment?" The majority opinion said that the 15th amendment did not give any individual the RIGHT to vote... it merely forbade states from giving any citizen preferential treatment based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This was a disaster for the 15th amendment. States sidestepped blacks voting rights after this court case. They set up literacy tests, poll taxes, and a grandfather clause, which they claimed applied to ALL citizens. In reality these measures would stop blacks from voting.
What is bulldozing?
Using techniques of intimidation, a way of keeping black voters away from the polls.
