HIST 2057 Chapter : Reconstruction Ch 18 Notes
Document Summary
Development in the north: republican majority in congress due to southern absence. Devastation in the south: decreased property value, money was worthless, broken labor system, crops were devastated and industry never bounced back from the war. Many planters were found to be homeless after loss of wealth. Hatred of yankees ( fear god, love the south, and live to avenge her ) Freedman"s bureau: 1st federal experiment into social welfare. Racial prejudice prevented the true assistance of former slaves. Implemented public schools, medical care, and labor contracts. Lincoln"s view favored immediate restoration of the entire union ( south never left ). Was willing to issue pardons to everyone except: confederate officials, senior officers in the confederate army and navy, men holding federal posts, and men who failed to capture slaves (prisoners of war). Main opponent was the radical republicans, who thought lincoln was trying to use the war to gain reelection.
