Explain the purpose of Reconstruction. Describe the difference between Lincoln’s plan and the plan implemented by the Radical Republicans. (Like and 8th grader wrote it)
The purpose of Reconstruction was to help bring the Southern states back into the Union after the Civil War and to bring about the social and economic rebuilding of the South.
President Lincoln's plan for Reconstruction was more lenient towards the Southern states. He wanted to quickly reunite the country and believed in a more forgiving approach towards the former Confederate states. He offered amnesty to those who took an oath of loyalty to the Union and allowed Southern states to rejoin the Union once 10% of their population pledged allegiance to the United States.
On the other hand, the Radical Republicans had a more strict and demanding plan for Reconstruction. They believed that the South needed to be punished for their rebellion and that African Americans needed to be given equal rights. They wanted to establish military rule in the South to protect the rights of freed slaves and to prevent former Confederates from regaining power. They also passed the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the 14th Amendment to protect the rights of African Americans.
Overall, Lincoln's plan was more forgiving and focused on reuniting the country quickly, while the Radical Republicans' plan was more strict and focused on ensuring the rights of freed slaves and punishing the Southern states for their rebellion.