Johnson's Reconstruction Policies Extend Lincoln's Plan.
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‘Johnson’s Reconstruction policies continued what Lincoln had planned.
ESSAY
The statement that "Johnson’s Reconstruction policies continued what Lincoln had planned" is a complex and debated topic among historians. An analysis of both Lincoln's post-war plans and Johnson's actions during Reconstruction can help shed light on the extent to which Johnson's policies align with those of Lincoln.
Lincoln's Reconstruction plans, as outlined in key initiatives such as the 10% Plan, the Thirteenth Amendment, and the establishment of the Freedmen's Bureau, were aimed at restoring the rebellious Southern states to the Union while also addressing the issue of slavery and providing assistance to the newly freed black population. Lincoln's approach emphasized leniency and reconciliation, seeking to bring the Confederate states back into the fold with relatively light requirements for readmission.
On the other hand, Johnson's approach to Reconstruction differed significantly from that of Lincoln. Johnson, a Southern Democrat with a strong belief in states' rights, took a more lenient stance towards the former Confederates. He issued amnesty proclamations that pardoned many former Confederates, leading some to argue that he was too lenient on former rebels. Additionally, Johnson's resistance to efforts by Congress to pass legislation promoting civil rights and black suffrage, as evidenced by his vetoes of the Freedmen's Bureau extension and Civil Rights Act, marked a departure from the more progressive stance taken by Lincoln in his final days.
While there are some similarities between Lincoln and Johnson's approaches to Reconstruction, particularly in the initial emphasis on leniency and a desire for a swift reunification of the country, Johnson's policies and actions veered away from the path set by Lincoln. Johnson's reluctance to enforce civil rights protections and his friction with Congress over Reconstruction policies highlight the diverging paths taken by the two presidents. Johnson's alienation of Congress and his subsequent impeachment underscore the significant departure from Lincoln's more conciliatory and inclusive vision for Reconstruction.
Therefore, while some elements of Johnson's Reconstruction policies may have mirrored aspects of Lincoln's initial plans, the overall trajectory and outcomes of Johnson's presidency during the Reconstruction era suggest a departure from Lincoln's more progressive and inclusive approach. It would be inaccurate to suggest that Johnson's policies unequivocally continued what Lincoln had planned, as their approaches and legacies during the tumultuous post-Civil War period were markedly different.
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**Johnson’s Reconstruction policies continued what Lincoln had planned.**
*How far do you agree with this view?*
**Lincoln and Reconstruction:**
Lincoln made some post-war plans in the year before his death:
- the 10% Plan [December 1863], whereby rebel states could return to the USA if (a) 10% of voters took an oath of future loyalty and (b) the state amended its constitution to include the abolition of slavery;
- the Thirteenth Amendment [January 1865], which abolished slavery;
- the Freedmen’s Bureau [March 1865], to help freed black slaves and white refugees – though the Bureau was more Congress’s doing and it was set up for one year only. In addition, just before his death, Lincoln stated publicly that some black males could be given the vote.
The 10% Plan was opposed in Congress, which approved the Wade-Davis bill for a minimum of 50% taking the oath. Lincoln vetoed the bill. The 10% Plan was applied to Louisiana.
**Johnson and Reconstruction:**
Johnson, a Southern Democrat from Tennessee, a border state, believed in states’ rights, as a result of which many states introduced Black Codes to uphold the rights of whites. In May 1865 he issued his terms for an amnesty, which gave no percentage for those taking the oath and accepting emancipation. However, the most propertied had to apply individually for a pardon, implying they were to be excluded; most, however, were pardoned. In December 1865 he declared Reconstruction was complete, which alienated Congress. In January 1866 Johnson vetoed both a bill to extend the life of the Freedmen’s Bureau and the Civil Rights Act introducing black suffrage. These actions further alienated Congress, which consequently introduced the 14th Amendment ensuring equality for all Americans.
In general, Johnson thought he was continuing Lincoln’s policies while radicals in Congress, who had fallen out with Lincoln, became even more hostile to what they saw as the betrayal of Johnson. Accept other valid responses.