Johnson's Reconstruction
By: Kendall Jones
Johnson's Plan
Johnson's plan basically consisted of him bringing the south back into the union by extreme forgiveness. Being the president to pardon the largest amount people ever.
Freedmen's Bureau
The bureau was created to help support freed slaves and poor whites through the aftermath of the war. It provided things like food, shelter, medical assistance, and water. This was also vetoed by Johnson, ceasing all work being done by the bureau. He had stated that it did not match his idea of fulfilling his duty to his people.
Civil Rights Act of 1866
This almost gave blacks all the same rights as an white man. Things such as: being able to sue another person; give evidence in court; inherit; and sell or buy properties. Though this coincided with the 13th amendment, Johnson still vetoed the act.
Black Codes
These were laws tat denied blacks their rights without directly violating the 13th amendment.
- Race was defined by blood; the presence of any amount of black blood made one black.
- Employment was required of all freedmen; violators faced vagrancy charges.
- Freedmen could not assemble without the presence of a white person.
- Freedmen were assumed to be agricultural workers and their duties and hours were tightly regulated.
Did this Change Us for the Better?
No, at all. If anything Johnson just caused tension between Blacks and Whites that had been suppressed somewhat by the war. Because of him, things like the jim crowe laws occurred, and the klu klux klan formed. Forcing congress to deal with petty southern squabbles.