The Reconstruction Era The reconstruction era is very important in the history of America. It refers in one sense to the reconstruction that was from the year 1865 to 1977 after the civil war. In another aspect, it refers to the reconstruction of the Southern United States between 1863 and 1877. This essay will focus on the history of the reconstruction of America after the civil war that began in 1863 with the emancipation clause by President Abraham Lincoln. It was not easy for the leaders to decide whether or not to punish the South for the Civil war. It was even harder because the radical Republicans did not agree with President Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson on softer terms of bringing back the South to the Union. The Liberal Republicans were of the opinion that those whites who had not held …show more content…
The congress passed the Wade-Davis bill and adjourned shortly after passing the bill. For Lincoln to continue with his reconstruction plan, he vetoed it by failing to sign the bill into law. It is in this year that he appointed Andrew Johnson as his presidential running mate. He did this to show his commitment towards the union unification. This proved to be a good deal as it helped him triumph in the elections where he was re-elected. Lincoln under his reconstruction plan, brought Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana back into the union. He later visited the city of Richmond, Virginia where he personally addressed the rebel leaders about the reconstruction. Unfortunately, five days after this address, while watching a play at the Ford’s theater, John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln. Wilkes was later trapped and killed while he tried to escape. In the early morning of 15th April 1865, the president succumbed to the injuries having not regained his consciousness. This sudden death of President Abraham Lincoln saw Andrew Johnson take over the