Wade-Davis Bill (1864) - History (Answer is below). Let's go through though.
The foundation for Reconstruction and the re-admission of the Confederate states to the Union following the Civil War was built by this act. In late 1863, President Abraham Lincoln and Congress began discussing how the Union would be reestablished if the North won the Civil War. In December, President Lincoln unveiled a reconstruction proposal that would have permitted the Confederate states to establish new state governments when 10% of their male citizens took loyalty oaths and the states acknowledged the long-term emancipation of former slaves. Lincoln's 10% suggestion was viewed by Republicans in Congress as being too mild. A more stringent strategy was proposed in February 1864 by Ohio Senator Benjamin F. Wade and Maryland Representative Henry Winter Davis.
Slavery would have been abolished under the Wade-Davis Reconstruction Bill, but for a state to be readmitted to the Union, half of its White male population had to swear loyalty to the United States and that they had never aided the Confederacy. After swearing this "Ironclad Oath," they would be allowed to participate in conventions to design new state constitutions. The Wade-Davis Bill was adopted by Congress but was vetoed by President Lincoln because he refused to sign it. Lincoln persevered in advocating transparency and rapidity in the Union's restoration efforts, in opposition to Congress.
The Wade-Davis Bill's stronger reconstruction criteria were finally put into effect after Lincoln's death in April 1865, when Congress took charge of establishing federal policy toward the triumphant South.
Thanks,
Eddie
