1. Reconstruction and Reconciliation: Many believed that the South should be brought back into the Union swiftly and smoothly, with the goal of reconciliation and healing. This approach aimed to avoid long-term resentment and foster unity.
2. Punishment and Accountability: Some argued that the South should be punished for its role in starting and prolonging the war. This could involve reparations to the North for damages, as well as holding Confederate leaders accountable for treason.
3. Emancipation and Civil Rights: Another aspect involved addressing the aftermath of slavery and ensuring the rights and freedom of the millions of African Americans who were emancipated during the war. This raised issues of land distribution, suffrage, and equal protection under the law.
4. Economic Reconstruction: The Southern economy was severely damaged by the war, with widespread disruption to its agricultural and industrial infrastructure. There were discussions on how to support economic recovery and provide assistance to the South.
5. Political Reconstruction: The war had transformed the political landscape, and the South needed to be reintegrated into the federal government. Various policies and constitutional amendments, such as the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the US constitution, were adopted to address issues like slavery, citizenship, and voting rights.
6. Presidential Policy: The approach taken by the sitting US President after the war played a crucial role in shaping Southern treatment. There were different approaches during the Reconstruction era, such as the policies of Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, and Ulysses S. Grant, each emphasizing varying degrees of reconciliation, punishment, and support.
Ultimately, the treatment of the South after the war was a complex challenge that involved many difficult choices and ongoing tensions. The policies implemented had both positive and negative consequences, and their impact continues to be debated today.