Which of the following BEST describes how Congress' Reconstruction plan differed
from President Johnson's plan?
To determine the differences between Congress' Reconstruction plan and President Johnson's plan, we need to examine the historical context and actions of both parties.
1. First, we need to understand that Reconstruction was a period following the American Civil War (1861-1865) when the Union sought to rebuild the Southern states and integrate them back into the Union after secession and slavery.
2. President Johnson's plan, known as Presidential Reconstruction or the "10 Percent Plan," aimed to quickly readmit the Southern states into the Union. Under this plan, Johnson required only 10% of eligible voters in each state to pledge loyalty to the Union, thus allowing the state to assemble a new government and send representatives to Congress.
3. On the other hand, Congress' Reconstruction plan, known as Congressional Reconstruction or the "Radical Reconstruction," was a more stringent and progressive approach. It was led by the Radical Republicans, who sought to ensure the civil rights of freed slaves and punish the Southern states for their role in the war.
4. Unlike Johnson's plan, Congress' Reconstruction plan required a majority (50%) of eligible voters in each state to pledge loyalty, pass the 14th Amendment granting citizenship and equal protection to African Americans, and ratify the 15th Amendment granting voting rights regardless of race.
5. Congress also established military governments in the Southern states to guarantee civil rights and protect the newly established Southern Republican governments. These military governments implemented the Freedmen's Bureau to aid former slaves in education, healthcare, and land ownership.
In summary, Congress' Reconstruction plan differed from President Johnson's plan in several key ways: it required a majority of voters to pledge loyalty, enacted more progressive legislation to ensure civil rights, established military governments, and initiated social programs to help former slaves.