StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

The Extent That Policies Followed at the Beginning of Reconstruction in the US - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
The paper "The Extent That Policies Followed at the Beginning of Reconstruction in the US" highlights that the United States enacted varying degrees of policies that considered the reintegration of southern states into the Union, as well as civil rights policies that aided African Americans. …
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER91.8% of users find it useful
The Extent That Policies Followed at the Beginning of Reconstruction in the US
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "The Extent That Policies Followed at the Beginning of Reconstruction in the US"

?Reconstruction The United s’ 19th century Civil War constituted one of the most substantial and impactful periods in the nation’s history. While the Civil War had a monumental impact on the course of American history and progress, the period immediately following the Civil War also had a substantial impact on the United States. In the South, this period was referred to as the Reconstruction, as large-scale policies were instituted for rebuilding this region in face of the considerable destitution and wartime destruction. While the South ultimately recovered, the extent that these were the right policies is debatable. This essay examines the extent that the policies followed at the beginning of Reconstruction were the best possible courses of action for the United States. There were a variety of Reconstruction plans that emerged in the wake of the Civil War, each with varying degrees of stringency. The first and perhaps most influential reconstruction policy was Lincoln’s 10% Plan. This plan was lenient in that if a Confederate supporter took an oath to support the Union they received a pardon. In addition, if a state had 1/10 of their voting population support the Union, they were allowed back into it. Lincoln’s plan was generally effective in that it placed limited requirements on reentry into the Union. Still, other policies placed more restrictive measures. For instance, the Wade-Davis bill necessitated that if a majority of voters took an ‘iron clad’ oath to support the United States Constitution, then a new state convention would be held. Similarly, in this policy, anyone who had the rank of Colonel or high in the Confederacy could not become a United States citizen again. In large part these policies created a general state of discontentment and distrust in the South, as they believed that were being unfairly punished. After Lincoln’s assassination, Andrew John assumed the Presidency. While Johnson had previously favored restrictive reconstruction policies, upon assuming office his reconstruction plan pardoned all individuals unless they had over $20,000; he also indicated that Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana had fulfilled Lincoln’s 10% plan. Similar to Lincoln’s, these reconstruction policies were successful largely for their inclusive nature. Major debates emerged in terms of the extent that states should be readmitted into the Union and once again receive representation. It’s been noted that the overriding perspective on this matter was that “inasmuch as the lately insurgent States had no legal right to separate themselves from the Union, they still retain their positions as States, and consequently the people thereof have a right to immediate representation in Congress without the imposition of any conditions whatever” (‘odur’). A number of individuals voiced dissent to this perspective, arguing that as these states ceded from the Union with ease there should be substantial consideration in allowing them to rejoin the Union. Even as these are valid perspectives, it’s clear that encouraging an atmosphere of inclusivity was the most appropriate Reconstruction policy. In these regards, one considers that to a great degree the United States was experiencing a period of significant strife and division and it was necessary to create a period of goodwill and acceptance that would restore the Union. There are also a number of significant historical occurrences to the efficacy of this policy. Perhaps most notable is the understanding that the United States was founded on the right to representation and that withholding this from states would have run counter to core American values. One also considers the hardline stance that Europe and the United States took towards Germany in the period proceeding World War I, leading to much of the negative sentiment that fueled World War II. In addition to broad ranging policies that considered the nature of reintegration into the Union, some of the most prominent Reconstruction policies emerged in terms of civil rights. In the period following the Civil War many southern regions instituted ‘black codes’ that greatly restricted the rights of African Americans. Recognizing the oppressive nature of these policies individuals such as Fredrick Douglas noted that, “If with the negro was success in war, and without him failure, so in peace it will be found that the nation must fall or flourish with the negro” (Douglas). The United States issued policies that supported African Americans during the Reconstruction period; among these policies include the Congressional Reconstruction Act of 1867. Within this act the 14th Amendment was ratified to law that guaranteed citizenship to all African Americans born in the United States. Another prominent policy that was enacted was the establishment of the Freedmen Bureau. The Freedmen Bureau functioned to work against the oppressive black codes. Still, Andrew Johnson is recognizes as having vetoed many bills that would have granted increased rights to freed black slaves. There are a variety of perspectives on these Reconstruction policies. In many regards, they were successful in counter-acting much of the oppressive southern policies targeted at African Americans. Still, it’s clear that considerable racial prejudice and segregation was allowed to occur. While in retrospect it is easy to criticize President Johnson for not taking a more hardline stance on civil rights, the largely divided nation was not in a position for such overhanded policy changes. Ultimately, while President Johnson allowed oppressive racial practices to occur, his policies were effective, as they did not further divide a nation then held together by a precarious thread. In conclusion, this essay has examined the extent that policies followed at the beginning of Reconstruction were the best possible courses of action for the United States. In this context of understanding it’s demonstrated that the United States enacted varying degrees of policies that considered the reintegration of southern states into the Union, as well as civil rights policies that aided African Americans. While there are varying degrees of effectiveness in these policies, it’s clear that in large part the inclusive stance adopted by the American government was successful. In addition, while the government was lax in allowing for oppressive social policies, to a degree they had to adopt this stance because of the divided socio-cultural Reconstruction climate. References Douglas, Frederick. "Reconstruction." etext. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov 2011. . "Report of the Joint Comittee on Reconstruction ." Odur. N.p., 2010. Web. 23 Nov 2011. . Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Were the policies followed at the beginning of Reconstruction the best Essay”, n.d.)
Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/history/1437227-were-the-policies-followed-at-the-beginning-of
(Were the Policies Followed at the Beginning of Reconstruction the Best Essay)
https://studentshare.org/history/1437227-were-the-policies-followed-at-the-beginning-of.
“Were the Policies Followed at the Beginning of Reconstruction the Best Essay”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/history/1437227-were-the-policies-followed-at-the-beginning-of.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF The Extent That Policies Followed at the Beginning of Reconstruction in the US

Nature of State Building in Bosnia and Sovereignty during Its Post War Reconstruction

However, in the post-Cold war era, in cases of domestic conflict, the issues of development and security have broadened to such an extent that non-western states cannot prevent the interference of foreign bodies in their domestic processes (Chandler, 2006).... The paper "Nature of State Building in Bosnia and Sovereignty during Its Post War reconstruction" states that international support for Bosnia, (though during the initial post-war years was more of a nuisance), actually helped the state to end its conflict and start moving towards peacebuilding....
11 Pages (2750 words) Essay

Ethics and Professional Practice in Architecture

he National Architectural Accrediting Board made it mandatory for all students interested in pursuing architecture as a profession to develop an understanding of the professionalism and ethics involved in the field of architecture at the beginning of their studies and not at the end.... It outlined the registration laws that should be followed when a contract is being undertaken.... In 2004 and 2005, the American Institute of Architects recognized these responsibilities as it rewrote the AIA public policies and position statements....
9 Pages (2250 words) Essay

The American Revolution and Reconstruction

This is discernible from the small armies existing at the beginning of the war and the lack of supportive structures for war.... He categorically viewed the us as either wholly free or wholly slave, and presented the Republican Party as inclined towards the extinction of slavery.... Name Professor Module Date The American Revolution, Civil War and reconstruction: Determinants and Outcomes The period from the American Revolution through the Civil War to the reconstruction is characterized by crises and strains as the nation sought to establish its identity and socio-economic and political organization....
8 Pages (2000 words) Essay

Construction Legal Studies

These forms are very detailed and if followed, will make the project easier, more manageable, and more acceptable to all.... The essay "Construction Legal Studies" is purposed to demonstrate that in order to protect the interest, rights, and responsibilities of all parties involved, a building contract is necessary....
8 Pages (2000 words) Essay

Why followers suport toxic leaders qualitative case study perspective

Susceptible followers have followed, preferred or favored, and sometimes helped create an enabling environment for toxic leadership to thrive.... The negative impact of toxic leaders in politics, religion, socio-economics, and the business sector is of growing concern to scholars in this field....
32 Pages (8000 words) Essay

Case project analysis

However, the extent of the project scope statements varied substantially and depended on the number of details and relevant elements related to the project.... Thus, for example, the cost estimate was $us 220... It is a project of the interchange reconstruction, situated in fifteen miles south of Washington, D.... reconstruction of this Interchange had vital importance to a variety of stakeholders, including: local entrepreneurs and businessmen, commercial carriers, and local residents....
10 Pages (2500 words) Assignment

Trials & Witnesses

The paper "Trials & Witnesses" focuses on events that occurred during an era of political turmoil in the United States, the reconstruction of the country when President Johnson's vociferous opposition to the will of Congress could have ousted him from his position through impeachment.... The events occurred during an era of political turmoil in the United States, the reconstruction of the country....
18 Pages (4500 words) Assignment

Influence of Japan's Political Culture on its Economic Development

The founding of the Meiji government marked the beginning of western influence and western commerce in Japan.... Japan is the third-largest economy in the world today after the us and China.... This paper 'Influence of Japan's Political Culture on its Economic Development' seeks to trace Japan's decisions, indecisions and start-stops that all lead to her current economic state....
11 Pages (2750 words) Report
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us