As the Civil War came to a conclusion in 1865, the political leadership of the US debated the ways to bring the Union back together. This process became known as Reconstruction (1865-77). As early as 1863, President Lincoln developed a plan for his vision or Reconstruction. But the President’s Ten Percent Plan was complicated by his assassination in April of 1865. Lincoln’s vice president, Andrew Johnson ascended to the presidency. Political infighting between President Johnson and Congress led to changes in the plan. Eventually, Congress took charge of Reconstruction through 1866. After electoral gains in that year’s mind-terms, the Republicans were able to gain full control of Reconstructing the South. This period became known as Radical Reconstruction (1867-72). The fervor for Reconstruction began to wain in 1872, finally petering out by the 1876 presidential election.

Prompt

Describe and discuss the various Reconstruction Plans. How were they similar and different? What were some of the Civil Rights gains during this period? What were some of the reasons Reconstruction came to an end?

Advice

Reconstruction was a long and complicated period. I do not expect a single discussion post to cover everything. Choose a few topics (2 or 3) and focus on them. I’d rather deep engagement with some concepts than a shallow survey of everything.