Reconstruction Notes (2)

• What new problems arose in the Southern states?


  The governments in the South who were ran by racists whites wanted to ensure that blacks had restricted freedom in their states.
• What are four examples of the "Black Codes?"

  1. Curfews (not allowed to gather/be out after sunset)
  2. Vagrancy (can be fined, whipped, etc., for not working)
  3. Contracts (couldn't leave jobs for a year)
  4. Land (could only rent homes in rural areas)
• What did the Radical Republicans not approve of Johnson's plan?


  Because of the problems in the South and their unwillingness to address them.
• What does the Radical Republican's new plan call for?

  1. South is under martial law and divided into 5 districts, governed by a northern official/general.
  2. Must hold new elections and create state governments
  3. All qualified male voters are allowed to vote
  4. No confederate supporters can vote
  5. Must guarantee equal rights to all citizens
  6. Must ratify the 14th amendment
• Why did the Radical Republicans dislike Johnson so much?


  They didn't appreciate his actions. The Radical Republicans were led by Charles Sumner of MA and Thaddeus Stevens of PA. They didn't like that Johnson had fired Secretary of War Edwin Stanton.
• Why were impeachment proceedings on Johnson started?

  His attempted firing of Stanton was unconstitutional
• How did Johnson fare in the House of Representatives?

  126-47 in favor of impeaching him.
• Why was Johnson ultimately not removed from office?


  His Presidency survived by one vote (not 2/3 of the Senate voted to impeach him). However, this ruined his Presidency.
• Who won the Election of 1868?


  Civil War hero Ulysses S. Grant
• Why was Grant so popular throughout the country?

  He was a Union war hero.
• Why was Grant considered to be an ineffective President?


  He lacked many of the skills necessary to be a President and was easily and constantly manipulated by Congress
• Who were the "carpetbaggers?" Why were they given this name?


  Northern Republicans who went south seeking to make money off the misery of the South. Name came from the cheap suitcases they often used.
• Who were the scalawags? What did this name mean?


  White southerners who supported the Republican party. The term characterized them as traitors to the confederate-supporting South.