Question

Support, refute, or modify the following statement: The Presidential Plans for Reconstruction reflected the belief that the primary goal post-war was to reunite the nation. Write a complete thesis, and then defend your answer with evidence.

Answer 1

Thesis:

The Presidential Plans for Reconstruction reflected the belief that the primary goal of post-Civil-War was to reunite the nation because both Presidents during that time adopted a lenient policy to let Southern States back into the Union and the Presidents of that era fought against the Senate's harsher policies regarding Reconstruction.

Evidence:

10% Plan made by Lincoln and continued by Johnson.

Pocket Veto by Lincoln on Senate, Johnson impeached by Senate

Answer 2

Lincoln defended that the Reconstruction plan should act as quickly as possible to restore the Union and allow the Southern States to reenter the Union. They would need to take an oath of loyalty to the US and pledge to obey all federal laws about slavery.

Johnson continued Lincoln's plan of reconstruction after Lincoln’s assassination, some parts like the desire to restore the Union and accept the Southern States back were maintained. But Johnson was seen as too in favor of the Southern States and Congress took over the process of Reconstruction.