The weakness of the federal government

• The weakness of the federal government


  Governance comprised of the president, congress and supreme court. There was a complex system of checks and balances to ensure no branch grew to powerful. But this meant effective government was difficult in times of crisis when decisive actions were necessary.

  Civil war- 625,000 dead, cost $6 billion
• The weakness of the federal government


  Johnson and the form of reconstruction

  Involved 2 key issues:

  • how far the South should be punished for seceding
  • how African-Americans, mainly former slaves, should be treated in Southern States

  Johnson wanted states restored to Union quickly without punishment and each state should be responsible for treatment of AA.

  But most of Congress were Republicans (many radical) who opposed this view. Harsh measures against South and legal measures to protect AA. Gained support when Black Codes passed and former Confederate politicians restored positions.
• The weakness of the federal government

  Congressional victory over Johnson

  Congress rejected Johnson's plans and passed a Civil Rights Act which overrode Black Codes. Johnson vetoed this but Congress ensured it came into law in April 1866. It became the Fourteenth Amendment , giving all AA born in USA citizenship and full rights.

  November 1866 mid-term congressional elections- Republicans gained a two-thirds majority in both Houses. Johnson was impeached but survived by one vote. 1868 election- easily defeated by Republican former army general Ulysses S. Grant.
• The weakness of the federal government


  Grant and the failure of Radical Reconstruction

  Congress passed 4 Reconstruction Acts and placed South under military rule, but reconstruction seen as a failure:

  • Many AA voted into political office, but were poorly educated and lacked experience- although many regions saw developments in education and railroads.
  • Carpetbaggers and scalawags unpopular with white Southerners- accused of exploitation and corruption
  • White terror (KKK- formed in Tennessee in 1866) used to intimidate AA (stop from voting)
• The weakness of the federal government


  Grant and the failure of Radical Reconstruction (2)

  • Redeemers attacked corruption of gov (found support among poorer classes)

  By late 70s, many in the North tired of costs of Reconstruction. Compromise of 1877- Southern democrats agreed to support Hayes (Republican) if federal troops were withdrawn, and Reconstruction ended.