Congress and Wade-Davis Reconstruction

Definition

The Congress and Wade-Davis Reconstruction refers to a specific period of the Reconstruction era following the Civil War, characterized by the legislative efforts of Congress to reshape the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society. This approach contrasted sharply with President Abraham Lincoln's more lenient plan for Reconstruction, focusing instead on stricter terms for Southern states to rejoin the Union. The Wade-Davis Bill of 1864 was a key proposal that required a majority of white male citizens in a state to take a loyalty oath before reconstruction could begin, emphasizing Congress's commitment to ensuring civil rights and equality for freedmen.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Wade-Davis Bill was named after Senator Benjamin Wade and Representative Henry Winter Davis, who proposed it as a counter to Lincoln's more lenient plan.
2. The bill failed to pass due to a pocket veto by President Lincoln, highlighting the deep divisions within Congress over how to approach Reconstruction.
3. Wade-Davis Reconstruction aimed to ensure that Southern states could not easily return to pre-war practices, thus prioritizing civil rights for African Americans.
4. This period led to increased tensions between President Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln and favored a more lenient approach, and Congress, dominated by Radical Republicans.
5. The conflict over the Wade-Davis Bill and subsequent Reconstruction policies set the stage for significant political battles throughout the 1860s, ultimately leading to the impeachment of Andrew Johnson.

Review Questions

• How did the Wade-Davis Bill reflect the intentions of Congress during the Reconstruction era?
  • The Wade-Davis Bill illustrated Congress's intention to impose stricter conditions on Southern states for their readmission into the Union. By requiring a majority of white males in a state to take an oath of loyalty, it emphasized a commitment to ensuring that former Confederates did not easily regain power. This approach marked a clear shift from Lincoln's more lenient policies, showcasing Congress's desire to protect civil rights and guarantee a meaningful transformation in Southern society.
• Discuss the main differences between Lincoln's plan for Reconstruction and the approach advocated by Congress through the Wade-Davis Bill.
  • Lincoln's plan for Reconstruction was characterized by a lenient approach aimed at quickly restoring Southern states with minimal requirements, such as requiring only 10% of voters to take an oath of loyalty. In contrast, the Wade-Davis Bill proposed that a majority of white male citizens must pledge allegiance before reconstruction could commence, reflecting a more stringent attitude towards reintegration. This fundamental difference highlighted the ongoing debate over how best to rebuild the nation while ensuring rights for freedmen and preventing former Confederates from regaining influence.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the conflict between Congress and President Johnson regarding Reconstruction policies initiated by the Wade-Davis Bill.
  • The clash between Congress and President Johnson over Reconstruction had lasting impacts on American politics and civil rights. The tensions led to Johnson's impeachment in 1868 after he violated the Tenure of Office Act by removing Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. This conflict revealed deeper issues regarding executive versus legislative power in shaping post-war policy. Ultimately, it set a precedent for future interactions between Congress and the presidency while solidifying congressional authority in determining civil rights protections, which would influence future legislation throughout American history.

Related terms

Radical Republicans:

A faction within the Republican Party that advocated for harsher measures against the South and stronger protections for the rights of freed slaves during Reconstruction.

Freedmen's Bureau:

A federal agency established in 1865 to assist freed slaves and impoverished Southerners by providing food, housing, education, and legal assistance.

Reconstruction Acts:

Laws passed by Congress in 1867 that divided the South into military districts and established conditions for re-admittance into the Union, including new state constitutions guaranteeing African American men the right to vote.