In this Grade 8 lesson from America: History of Our Nation, students examine the clash between President Andrew Johnson's lenient Reconstruction plan and the Radical Republicans in Congress, including the passage of black codes, the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments, and the Civil Rights Act of 1866. Students also learn how Congress pursued impeachment of President Johnson and how groups like the Ku Klux Klan used violence to suppress African American rights in the post-Civil War South.
Section 1
Congress Battles Johnson Over Reconstruction Plans
President Johnson's lenient approach to southern states clashed with Radical Republicans who wanted stricter requirements and protection for freedmen, leading to overridden vetoes and congressional control of Reconstruction.
Section 2
Constitutional Amendments Expand Citizenship Rights
The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 14th Amendment granted citizenship to all Americans and equal protection under law, while the 15th Amendment prohibited denying voting rights based on race.
Section 3
African Americans Participate in Southern Politics
During Radical Reconstruction, African Americans voted, held office, and helped create new state constitutions. Sixteen African Americans served in the House of Representatives and two in the Senate.
Section 4
Secret Societies Terrorize African American Voters
The Ku Klux Klan and similar groups used violence and intimidation to prevent African Americans from exercising their new rights, killing hundreds despite federal laws attempting to stop them.
Section 5
Congress Attempts to Remove President Johnson
Radical Republicans impeached President Johnson for opposing their Reconstruction plans, but failed to remove him from office by just one vote in the Senate trial.
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Section 1
Congress Battles Johnson Over Reconstruction Plans
President Johnson's lenient approach to southern states clashed with Radical Republicans who wanted stricter requirements and protection for freedmen, leading to overridden vetoes and congressional control of Reconstruction.
Section 2
Constitutional Amendments Expand Citizenship Rights
The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 14th Amendment granted citizenship to all Americans and equal protection under law, while the 15th Amendment prohibited denying voting rights based on race.
Section 3
African Americans Participate in Southern Politics
During Radical Reconstruction, African Americans voted, held office, and helped create new state constitutions. Sixteen African Americans served in the House of Representatives and two in the Senate.
Section 4
Secret Societies Terrorize African American Voters
The Ku Klux Klan and similar groups used violence and intimidation to prevent African Americans from exercising their new rights, killing hundreds despite federal laws attempting to stop them.
Section 5
Congress Attempts to Remove President Johnson
Radical Republicans impeached President Johnson for opposing their Reconstruction plans, but failed to remove him from office by just one vote in the Senate trial.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter