Northern Reconstruction
1. Gradualist Abolition: The North focused on the immediate abolition of slavery upon a Confederate state's surrender. This process aimed to ensure the freedom of enslaved people and their integration into society as free and equal citizens.
2. Economic Recovery: The Northern states prioritized the economic recovery of the war-ravaged South. They believed promoting infrastructure development, education, and economic opportunities would pave the way for sustainable growth.
3. Political Reconstruction: The North sought to reconstruct Southern politics by requiring certain conditions, such as the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which guaranteed civil rights and suffrage for African Americans. These requirements aimed to ensure that the former Confederate states were committed to democratic principles.
4. Political Reintegration: The North wanted to reintegrate the Southern states into the Union as quickly as possible. They were willing to accept representatives from these states as long as they met specific conditions, such as taking an oath of allegiance to the Union.
5. Educational and Social Reform: The North encouraged educational and social reforms to improve the lives of African Americans. They supported establishing schools and educational programs to provide former enslaved individuals with access to education.
Southern Reconstruction
1. Resistance to Abolition: The South strongly resisted the abolition of slavery and struggled to adapt to the idea of African Americans as free and equal citizens. Many Southern states passed Black Codes, which severely limited the rights of African Americans and maintained a hierarchical social structure.
2. States' Rights: Southern states emphasized states' rights and opposed federal interference in their internal affairs. They resented Northern efforts to impose stringent conditions and reforms, viewing them as infringements on their autonomy.
3. White Supremacy: Many Southern whites refused to accept the notion of racial equality and clung to the ideology of white supremacy. This led to the rise of white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan, which used terror and violence to intimidate African Americans and maintain segregation.
4. Economic Dependency: The Southern economy, traditionally dependent on agriculture and plantation labor, struggled to adjust to the end of slavery. Many landowners struggled to maintain their wealth and status, leading to economic hardship across the region.
5. Limited Political Reconstruction: Some Southern states resisted political reconstruction and enacted measures to disenfranchise African Americans. They used various means, including poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses, to restrict voting rights and maintain political power in the hands of whites.
6. Reconstruction Era Violence: The Reconstruction era was marked by widespread violence and social upheaval. Lynchings, riots, and attacks on African Americans and their supporters were common, illustrating the deep-rooted racism and resistance to change in the South.