US History: Antebellum and Reconstruction Era

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Antebellum Era

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The period in US history from 1812 until the start of the American Civil War in 1861.

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Presidential Reconstruction

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The period from 1865 to 1867 when Andrew Johnson served as president; he pardoned most Southern whites, restoring their political rights and property.

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Congressional/Radical Reconstruction

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A period of Reconstruction policies enacted by Congress after the Civil War, including the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.

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Reconstruction Acts

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Acts that divided former Confederate states into military districts, imposed martial law, and required new state constitutions.

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Redemption/Southern Reconstruction

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A period when white Southerners overthrew Reconstruction and reestablished white supremacy.

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William Dunning School

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Favored conservative elements in the South and disparaged Radical Republicans who favored civil rights for former slaves.

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Andrew Johnson

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Favored quick restoration of seceded states without protection for newly freed people, leading to conflict with Congress and his impeachment.

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Thaddeus Stevens

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Known for his role in passing the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments and as a leader of the Republican Party's radical wing.

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Thirteenth Amendment

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Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States, ratified on December 6, 1865.

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Fourteenth Amendment

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Protects citizens' rights and liberties, grants citizenship to all born or naturalized in the US, and prohibits states from denying equal protection.