JOHNSON'S RECONSTRUCTION
Mary Perkins
The Plan
Johnson's plan for reconstruction included a pardon to any state that pledged to an oath of loyalty. These pardons would not be granted to any high ranking confederate officials or anyone owning land over $20,000. Another aspect of the plan was that before a state could be readmitted they had to abolish slavery. Also all secession ordinances had to be repealed from confederate states.
Freedman's Bureau
In 1865 congress established the Freedman's Bureau to allow former slaves and poor white Americans with food and housing. Also it helped with medical care and even established schools. Johnson vetoed the bill because he believed it was not necessary and did not need to happen immediately at the end of the war.
Civil Rights Act
In 1866 the civil rights act was established by congress. It granted equal rights to all men in the United States no matter what their race was. This act was another good idea yet Johnson vetoed it as well. He believed that it would allow southern blacks to have a wasteful and lazy life.
Life For the Slaves After the War
I believe that after the civil war slaves quality of life increased a small amount. After the war they were out on the street homeless and alone but at least they were free. Change with the slaves rights came with time. Immediately after the civil war it was still tough for slaves but at least they were finally free.
Black Codes
Black codes were a series of laws passed in 1865 and 1866. The southern states passed these laws with intent to limiting freedoms of the African Americans and making them work in low wage labor economy. Segregation began to play a big role. Even in the military some African Americans couldn't carry firearms.