Link to original video by Heimler's History

RECONSTRUCTION [APUSH Review Unit 5 Topic 10] Period 5: 1844-1877

Short Summary:

This APUSH review video discusses Reconstruction (1865-1877), focusing on the effects of government policy on society. The video explores the differing approaches to Reconstruction, starting with Lincoln's lenient Ten-Percent Plan, which aimed for a swift reunification of the North and South. However, Lincoln's assassination led to Andrew Johnson's presidency, marked by leniency towards the South and the passage of Black Codes. The Radical Republicans in Congress opposed this, pushing for legislation protecting black rights, leading to clashes with Johnson, including his impeachment trial. The video also covers the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, and the split within the women's suffrage movement regarding the 15th Amendment's focus on black male suffrage. The video highlights the conflict between presidential and congressional power during Reconstruction and its ultimate failure, promising to discuss the reasons for its failure in a subsequent video.

Detailed Summary:

Section 1: Introduction and Lincoln's Plan

The video begins by introducing Reconstruction as the process of reuniting the North and South after the Civil War. The central question addressed is how the Confederacy should be treated: leniently or as a conquered foe. Lincoln's Ten-Percent Plan is presented as a lenient approach, requiring 10% of the 1860 electorate in a Southern state to pledge loyalty and ratify the 13th Amendment to rejoin the Union. Lincoln's assassination is highlighted as a pivotal event preventing the implementation of this plan.

Section 2: Andrew Johnson and the Black Codes

Andrew Johnson's presidency and his continuation (though not with the same magnanimity) of Lincoln's plan is discussed. The video characterizes Johnson as a southerner lacking sympathy for emancipation and equality, allowing the former slave-owning class to regain power and enact Black Codes, restrictive laws limiting black freedom. The speaker uses strong language ("turd category") to describe Johnson's character.

Section 3: Radical Republicans and Congressional Action

The Radical Republicans' opposition to Johnson's policies is explained. Their aim was to punish the South and ensure black rights, leading them to challenge presidential authority. The extension of the Freedman's Bureau and the Civil Rights Act of 1866 are presented as key legislative actions, both vetoed by Johnson but overridden by Congress.

Section 4: The Fourteenth Amendment and Reconstruction Acts

The Fourteenth Amendment, guaranteeing citizenship and equal protection under the law, is explained as a response to the need to solidify the Civil Rights Act. The Reconstruction Acts of 1867, also passed over Johnson's veto, are described as dividing the South into military districts and increasing the requirements for readmission to the Union, including universal male suffrage.

Section 5: Impeachment of Andrew Johnson

The video explains the concept of impeachment, clarifying that it's a trial, not automatic removal from office. Johnson's impeachment trial, stemming from his violation of the Tenure of Office Act, is detailed. Although he wasn't removed, the process effectively neutralized his power regarding Reconstruction.

Section 6: Women's Suffrage and the Fifteenth Amendment

The Fifteenth Amendment, granting voting rights to black men, is discussed. The video highlights the division within the women's suffrage movement, with some (like Stanton and Anthony) opposing the amendment for excluding women, forming the National Woman Suffrage Association (N.W.S.A.), while others (like Stone and Blackwell) supported it while continuing to fight for women's suffrage at the state level, forming the American Woman Suffrage Association (A.W.S.A.). A mnemonic device ("NA" and "EEYY") is unsuccessfully attempted to help viewers remember the difference between the two organizations.

Section 7: Conclusion

The video concludes by promising a discussion of the failure of Reconstruction in a future video. The speaker encourages viewers to subscribe for more APUSH content.