In 1865, America is extremely divided. Fuelled by the Civil War, the north is prosperous and ready for an industrial boom. On the other hand, the south is devastated and economically in ruin. The period of Reconstruction begins at this time in history and lasts until 1877. The entire country is bitter and angry, so Reconstruction meets its first challenge. The President and Congressional leaders are arguing over the plans of Reconstruction, just like northern and southern whites. African Americans are worried about the future, but do not have much say in how they are affected by Reconstruction. Though each group is divided over their desires for Reconstruction, they all agree that something has to happen.
             President Lincoln begins Presidential Reconstruction, or the 10% Plan, in April 1865. The plan is very lenient on the south. It requires that ten percent of the state's population of voting males (in 1860) take an oath of loyalty to the government. Once this ten percent is met, the state can launch efforts to regain their statehood status. By 1865, each state achieves this goal, but restrictions are placed upon the south: leading political and military officers of the Confederacy are not allowed to regain citizenship or participate in the reorganizing of statehood. Regrettably, President Lincoln dies before he could fully carry out his plan, so his Vice President, Andrew Johnson, takes over. President Johnson continues Reconstruction, but his views differ from Lincoln's. In "Andrew Johnson Vetoes the First Reconstruction Act," his plans become clear. He believes that Reconstruction should solely be controlled by the President. Unfortunately, Congress disagrees with his views.
             "Thaddeus Stevens on Reconstruction & the South" explains the Congressional plan. Thaddeus Stevens is a leader of the Radical Republicans and is very intent upon challenging President Johnson. He believes that their plan offe...