Explain the purpose of reconstruction. Describe the difference between Lincoln’s plan and the plan implemented by the radical republicans
The purpose of Reconstruction was to rebuild and re-integrate the Southern states that had seceded from the Union during the Civil War back into the United States. It also aimed to address the social, political, and economic issues that arose after the end of the Civil War, particularly concerning the newly freed African Americans.
Lincoln's plan for Reconstruction, known as the Ten Percent Plan, was fairly lenient towards the South. Under his plan, a Southern state could be readmitted to the Union once 10% of its voters who had participated in the 1860 election took an oath of allegiance to the Union and accepted the end of slavery. Lincoln favored a quick and lenient Reconstruction process in order to heal the nation and bring the Southern states back into the Union as swiftly as possible.
On the other hand, the Radical Republicans had a more stringent approach to Reconstruction. They believed that the Southern states should be punished for their role in the Civil War and that Southern leaders should be held accountable for their actions. The Radical Republicans wanted to protect the rights of freed African Americans and ensure that they were granted full citizenship and rights. They also sought to prevent former Confederates from regaining power and influence in the South.
Overall, the key difference between Lincoln's plan and the plan implemented by the Radical Republicans was the level of leniency and punishment towards the Southern states and leaders. Lincoln's plan aimed for a more forgiving and swift reintegration of the Southern states, while the Radical Republicans sought a more thorough and punitive approach to Reconstruction.