Essay On Radical Reconstruction

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Radical Reconstruction helped shape American as the country we are today. It all began during 1866 when the Radical Republicans got control over policy making in congress. Alongside the Republican Allies they also got control of the Senate and House of Representatives, which lead them to a higher power to override any vetoes by President Jackson. By early 1867, the Radical Reconstruction had begun. One of the first things put into order was the Military Reconstruction act. Congress also ordered states to ratify their amendments and lastly, to reestablish order in the south. The Radical Reconstruction was successful and did a lot of good for America by giving blacks more freedom, abolishing the Confederacy and allowing states to ratify amendments. …show more content…
First, the federal government abolished slavery with the 13th Amendment. Next they defined citizenship and protected all Americans under the law with the 14th Amendment. Radical Republicans believed that if they gave blacks the right to vote, it would weaken the southern elites. So in 1869 congress passed the 15th Amendment, which gave all American males, black or white, the right to vote. Less than a year later, 75% of the union had ratified the amendment and it became a law. Not only did the 15th Amendment give blacks the right to vote, but it also gave poor white men the right to vote. Prior to the amendment only white men who owned land could vote. Soon after, black men were elected to every level of government, including governors and senators. Federal legislation like the Freedman's Bureau, also worked to get blacks on their feet and participating in the government, economy and

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