HIS271Y1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Fourteenth Amendment To The United States Constitution, Reconstruction Era, Reconstruction Acts
Document Summary
South doesn"t have much to show, many areas lay in ruins, billion (today) in damages. What should be done to the rebel states (punishment or na) Need to restore nat"l union, need speedy & forgiving restoration. Full pardon to rebels that renounce secession, abolish slavery. States come back when 10% of men take oath to the union can make govt. Most think lincoln"s plan too forgiving, needs punishment. 50% of men need to swear allegiance, equality of freedmen (voting rights too!) Pocket vetoed, begins struggle on who dominates reconstruction. Federal armies made new labor codes for occupied areas. Forced slavers to make contracts & pay wages on top of housing & med. Black laborers gotta be diligent & obedient to employer. Wanted own land cuz ancestors worked in the same land. No one liked it b/c too close to slavery lol. Distributed food & clothing, ease from slavery to freedom.
