The Debate over Reconstruction

Front

What was a significant impact of the emancipation of African Americans on the Southern economy? Options: Increased agricultural output, Collapse of the agricultural system, Improved transportation, Enhanced industrial growth

Back

Collapse of the agricultural system

Answer explanation

The emancipation of African Americans led to the collapse of the agricultural system in the South, as the labor force that had sustained it was drastically altered, resulting in economic instability and a shift away from plantation-based agriculture.

Front

What did the United States government need to decide regarding the Southern states after the Civil War?

Back

How to restore the Southern states to the Union

Answer explanation

After the Civil War, the U.S. government needed to determine how to reintegrate the Southern states into the Union, addressing issues of governance, rights, and rebuilding, making 'How to restore the Southern states to the Union' the correct choice.

Front

What does the word 'amnesty' mean?

Back

Pardon

Answer explanation

The word 'amnesty' refers to a pardon, which is the act of forgiving or overlooking a crime or offense. It does not mean punishment, agreement, or conflict, making 'pardon' the correct choice.

Front

What word does the text use to describe Lincoln’s Plan for reuniting the southern states with the Union?

Back

Moderate

Answer explanation

The text describes Lincoln's Plan for reuniting the southern states with the Union as 'Moderate.' This indicates a balanced approach, aiming for reconciliation rather than extreme measures.

Front

Who led the Radical Republicans in Congress?

Back

Thaddeus Stevens

Answer explanation

Thaddeus Stevens was a prominent leader of the Radical Republicans in Congress, advocating for civil rights and Reconstruction policies, unlike Lincoln, who was more moderate, and Jefferson Davis, who was a Confederate leader.

Front

What was one of the main goals of the Radical Republicans?

Back

To prevent the Confederacy from returning to power

Answer explanation

One of the main goals of the Radical Republicans was to prevent the Confederacy from returning to power after the Civil War, ensuring that former Confederate leaders could not regain influence in the government.

Front

What does the word ‘radical’ mean as mentioned in the text?

Back

Extreme

Answer explanation

In the context of the text, 'radical' refers to ideas or actions that are extreme, often advocating for significant change. This aligns with the correct answer choice, 'Extreme', distinguishing it from more moderate or traditional views.

Front

What were the Radical Republicans in Congress 3 MAIN goals? A) Abolish slavery, promote states' rights, reduce taxes B) Ensure voting rights, promote racial equality, punish the South C) Expand territories, reduce federal power, support the Confederacy D) Increase tariffs, support industrialization, maintain segregation

Back

Ensure voting rights, promote racial equality, punish the South

Answer explanation

The Radical Republicans aimed to ensure voting rights for freedmen, promote racial equality, and punish the South for its role in the Civil War, making the correct choice about their main goals.

Front

What was the viewpoint of the 'MODERATES' in Congress in the approach for reuniting the Southern states back into the Union?

Back

They thought Lincoln was too lenient.

Answer explanation

The 'MODERATES' in Congress believed Lincoln's approach was too lenient towards the South, advocating for a more stringent policy to ensure loyalty and prevent future conflicts.

Front

Why didn’t the Wade-Davis Bill pass into law?

Back

It was blocked by Lincoln with a pocket veto.

Answer explanation

The Wade-Davis Bill was blocked by Lincoln using a pocket veto, meaning he did not sign it into law before Congress adjourned, effectively preventing its passage.