WRITING ASSIGNMENT 1A: Reconstruction.
President Lincoln’s goal for reconstruction remained linked to his goal in the war-preserve the Union. His plan favored leniency, in order to as quickly as possible reintegrate the south, and gain the support of Southern Unionists (mostly former Whigs). Radical Republicans urged a much harsher course, believing that the South was unrepentant and should bear the costs of Reconstruction.
INSTRUCTIONS:
In order to prepare you must complete the following readings:
Review the following sections in Chapter 15: “Radical Reconstruction in the South” and “The Overthrow of Reconstruction” along with the linked document, taken from the writings of William A. Dunning (im going to attach the link)
Review and identify relevant information on the linked PBS American Experience site, Reconstruction the second civil war (im going to attach the link)
Utilize at least one of the linked sources to support your discussion.
Identify and incorporate at least one additional outside source to support your discussion. In addition to the textbook, you may use any material outside of the textbook that is recommended in the Additional Reading section at the end of each chapter. You are also encouraged to do your own research and identify relevant sources. Please keep in mind that WIKIPEDIA is not an acceptable reference.
PREPARE AND SUBMIT:
Write a well-organized piece of writing, a minimum of 700 words (but not limited to), including supporting details from the documents/textbook/other sources in which you analyze and discuss the material that has been assigned by addressing the following question:
In your opinion, were the Radical Republicans correct in their assumptions regarding the South, or could Lincoln’s approach have paved the way for a continuation of the political, social, and economic gains that African Americans had achieved during Reconstruction? Support your argument(s) including information from assigned and linked readings
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Step-by-Step Guide for Analyzing Lincoln’s and Radical Republicans’ Approaches to Reconstruction
To answer the question of whether the Radical Republicans were correct in their assumptions regarding the South or if Lincoln’s more lenient approach could have continued the gains made by African Americans during Reconstruction, you’ll need to present a well-reasoned argument. Here’s how to structure your paper:
1. Understand the Key Themes
Before diving into writing, make sure you understand the key aspects of the assignment:
- Lincoln’s approach to Reconstruction was focused on quick reintegration of the South and leniency toward former Confederates, aimed at preserving the Union.
- Radical Republicans’ approach was much harsher, believing the South had not repented and demanding harsh consequences for the Confederacy while seeking stronger protections for African Americans.
2. Introduction to the Topic
What to Do:
- Start your introduction with a brief overview of Reconstruction.
- What was the goal of Reconstruction?
- Introduce the two competing views: Lincoln’s lenient approach and the Radical Republicans’ harsher stance.
Tips:
- Briefly state what the paper will argue. For example, you could say: “This paper will explore whether Lincoln’s lenient approach could have fostered long-term political, social, and economic progress for African Americans, or if the Radical Republicans’ more severe measures were necessary for ensuring those gains.”
3. Present Lincoln’s Approach to Reconstruction
What to Do:
- In a well-organized paragraph, describe Lincoln’s plan for Reconstruction.
- Key aspects: the Ten Percent Plan, which allowed Southern states to rejoin the Union if 10% of voters swore an oath of allegiance, and his desire to quickly restore the Union with minimal punishment to the South.
- Focus on how Lincoln sought to integrate the South, gain support from Southern Unionists, and establish a new social and political order.
Tips:
- Cite details from the assigned textbook sections and the sources (PBS American Experience or William A. Dunning) to back up Lincoln’s rationale.
4. Discuss the Radical Republicans’ Approach to Reconstruction
What to Do:
- Explain the Radical Republicans’ stance:
- They believed the South had not sufficiently repented and demanded harsher measures, such as military occupation of the South and equal rights for African Americans.
- Discuss their desire to punish the South for rebellion and their commitment to ensuring long-term civil rights protections for African Americans.
Tips:
- Use the linked materials (PBS and Dunning) to demonstrate the Radicals’ goals and how they contrasted with Lincoln’s views.
5. Compare and Contrast the Two Approaches
What to Do:
- Analyze the differences between the two approaches.
- Lincoln’s emphasis on forgiving and rebuilding the South vs. the Radical Republicans’ focus on punishment and reform.
- How did each approach affect the reconciliation process and the advancement of African American rights?
Tips:
- You might argue that Lincoln’s leniency could have avoided bitterness in the South, whereas the Radical Republicans’ harsher tactics helped create deep divisions.
6. Discuss the Impact of the Radical Republicans’ Approach on African American Gains
What to Do:
- Focus on how the Radical Republicans tried to advance the cause of African Americans.
- Their creation of the Freedmen’s Bureau, passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, and support for the 14th and 15th Amendments.
- Were these steps sufficient for ensuring lasting change in the political, social, and economic conditions for African Americans?
Tips:
- Use historical evidence from your sources to explain why the Radical Republicans felt these measures were necessary, but also discuss how the backlash in the South (e.g., the rise of white supremacy groups like the Ku Klux Klan) limited their long-term success.
7. Could Lincoln’s Approach Have Continued African American Gains?
What to Do:
- Now, consider whether Lincoln’s more lenient approach could have ensured lasting gains for African Americans.
- Discuss whether reconciliation with the South (and avoiding harsh punishment) might have opened the door for continued African American progress in the South, or if it would have led to compromise and reversal of the gains made.
- Could Southern Unionists have played a key role in safeguarding African American rights?
Tips:
- Offer a balanced view by considering both the positive potential (faster reintegration and less conflict) and the negative consequences (lack of protection for African Americans) of Lincoln’s approach.
8. Conclusion
What to Do:
- Summarize your arguments.
- Restate the key points: Lincoln’s leniency vs. the Radical Republicans’ harsher tactics, and the long-term impact on African American rights.
- End by reinforcing your opinion on whether the Radical Republicans’ assumptions about the South were justified or if Lincoln’s approach could have led to a more unified and progressive South.
9. Citations and Sources
What to Do:
- Ensure you use at least one outside source in addition to the textbook and assigned readings. The source should be credible, such as journal articles, books, or trusted websites.
- Cite the readings from the assigned texts (PBS and Dunning) as well as any other sources you use in APA format.
Important Tips for Success:
- Stay focused: Make sure each section directly addresses the question of the assignment.
- Provide evidence: Back up your points with specific facts or quotes from the readings.
- Be analytical: Don’t just summarize the readings—analyze how each approach (Lincoln’s and the Radical Republicans’) would impact the political, social, and economic situation for African Americans.
By following these steps, you will create a well-organized, thoughtful analysis of the competing approaches to Reconstruction and their potential long-term effects on African American progress.
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