‘Johnson’s Reconstruction policies continued what Lincoln had planned.
Level
AS LEVEL
Year Examined
2021
Topic
Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861–77
👑Complete Model Essay
‘Johnson’s Reconstruction policies continued what Lincoln had planned.
Johnson's Reconstruction Policies: A Continuation of Lincoln's Legacy?
The statement that "Johnson's Reconstruction policies continued what Lincoln had planned" is a complex one that requires careful examination. While some similarities exist between their approaches, significant differences in their policies and underlying philosophies make it difficult to argue for complete continuity.
Lincoln's Vision for Reconstruction
Abraham Lincoln, driven by a desire for a swift and merciful reunification, laid the groundwork for Reconstruction before his assassination. His 10% Plan (December 1863), exemplified his lenient approach, allowing Confederate states back into the Union with only 10% of voters pledging loyalty and accepting the abolition of slavery. This plan, though criticized by Radical Republicans for being too lenient on the South, demonstrated Lincoln's pragmatism and focus on healing the nation.
Further illustrating his commitment to emancipation and black rights, Lincoln championed the Thirteenth Amendment (January 1865), abolishing slavery. He also approved the establishment of the Freedmen’s Bureau (March 1865) to aid former slaves and white refugees, revealing his concern for their welfare.
Johnson's Reconstruction and the Departure from Lincoln's Path
Andrew Johnson, a Southern Democrat who ascended to the presidency after Lincoln's death, seemingly aimed to follow in his predecessor's footsteps. His amnesty proclamation in May 1865, similar to Lincoln's 10% Plan, offered pardons to Southerners who swore allegiance to the Union. However, Johnson's insistence on individual pardons for wealthy planters, a departure from Lincoln's more inclusive approach, hinted at a softer stance towards former Confederates and a potential disregard for the needs of freed blacks.
Johnson's actions further diverged from Lincoln's vision as he allowed former Confederate leaders to assume positions of power in the South. This leniency enabled the enactment of Black Codes, which severely restricted the freedoms of African Americans, essentially perpetuating systems of racial control despite the abolition of slavery. Such actions contradicted Lincoln's aim of a just and equal reconstruction.
Furthermore, Johnson's veto of the Freedmen’s Bureau Bill and the Civil Rights Act of 1866, both designed to protect the rights of African Americans, directly clashed with the spirit of Lincoln's legacy. These actions, driven by Johnson's belief in states' rights and limited federal power, further alienated him from the Radical Republicans in Congress who favored a more proactive approach to safeguarding black civil liberties.
Conclusion: A Legacy Divided
In conclusion, while Johnson initially appeared to be carrying out Lincoln's vision for Reconstruction, his policies ultimately diverged significantly. While Lincoln sought a balance between reconciliation and the protection of black rights, Johnson's actions, particularly his tolerance of Black Codes and his vetoing of key legislation, revealed a greater concern for restoring the South to its pre-war status quo. Therefore, while some superficial similarities exist, Johnson's Reconstruction policies ultimately failed to uphold the true spirit of Lincoln's legacy and instead contributed to the ongoing struggle for racial equality in the United States.
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Introduction
Briefly introduce the topic of Reconstruction and Lincoln's vs. Johnson's approaches. State your line of argument - to what extent you agree or disagree with the given statement.
Similarities between Lincoln and Johnson
Discuss the aspects where Johnson's policies seemed to follow Lincoln's: e.g., amnesty proclamations, focus on readmitting states quickly.
Differences and Divergences
Highlight the key differences:
Leniency: Johnson's more lenient approach to Confederate states and pardons.
Black Rights: Contrast Johnson's lack of support for black suffrage and economic upliftment with Lincoln's tentative steps in that direction (Freedmen's Bureau, hints at limited black suffrage).
Congressional Intent: Explain how Johnson's actions directly contradicted the aims of the Radical Republicans in Congress, while Lincoln had a more nuanced and potentially reconcilable relationship with them.
Motivations and Context
Analyze the possible reasons behind the similarities and differences:
Lincoln's Vision: Consider his focus on national unity and the lack of a concrete plan due to his assassination.
Johnson's Background: Explain how his Southern Democrat background and belief in states' rights influenced his actions.
Conclusion
Restate your argument, emphasizing the key areas where Johnson diverged from Lincoln's likely path, thus demonstrating the limited extent to which Johnson continued Lincoln's plan.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Johnson’s Reconstruction policies continued what Lincoln had planned.
How far do you agree with this view?
Lincoln and Reconstruction:
Lincoln made some post-war plans in the year before his death:
⭐the 10% Plan [December 1863], whereby rebel states could return to the USA if (a) 10% of voters took an oath of future loyalty and (b) the state amended its constitution to include the abolition of slavery;
⭐the Thirteenth Amendment [January 1865], which abolished slavery;
⭐the Freedmen’s Bureau [March 1865], to help freed black slaves and white refugees – though the Bureau was more Congress’s doing and it was set up for one year only. In addition, just before his death, Lincoln stated publicly that some black males could be given the vote.
The 10% Plan was opposed in Congress, which approved the Wade-Davis bill for a minimum of 50% taking the oath. Lincoln vetoed the bill. The 10% Plan was applied to Louisiana.
Johnson and Reconstruction:
Johnson, a Southern Democrat from Tennessee, a border state, believed in states’ rights, as a result of which many states introduced Black Codes to uphold the rights of whites. In May 1865 he issued his terms for an amnesty, which gave no percentage for those taking the oath and accepting emancipation. However, the most propertied had to apply individually for a pardon, implying they were to be excluded; most, however, were pardoned. In December 1865 he declared Reconstruction was complete, which alienated Congress. In January 1866 Johnson vetoed both a bill to extend the life of the Freedmen’s Bureau and the Civil Rights Act introducing black suffrage. These actions further alienated Congress, which consequently introduced the 14th Amendment ensuring equality for all Americans.
In general, Johnson thought he was continuing Lincoln’s policies while radicals in Congress, who had fallen out with Lincoln, became even more hostile to what they saw as the betrayal of Johnson. Accept other valid responses.