Historical story

What were the two competing theories of what to do about Reconstruction?

Presidential Reconstruction

- President Andrew Johnson's preferred method of Reconstruction

- Favored a lenient approach towards the South

- Allowed most Southern states to form new governments with few requirements

- Did not address the issue of slavery or civil rights for freedmen

Radical Reconstruction

- Proposed by Radical Republicans in Congress

- Favored a more punitive approach towards the South

- Required Southern states to meet specific conditions before being readmitted to the Union

- Included provisions for protecting the civil rights of freedmen and redistributing land to them