A good description of the beginnings of the Republican Party before the Civil War, and the transformation to Radical Republicanism during Reconstruction as they attempted to guarantee equal rights for African Americans. Information is...

[Free Registration/Login Required] Students use primary source documents to investigate central historical questions. In this investigation students read speeches by Thaddeus Stevens and Andrew Johnson in order to explore why the Radical...

Read about the frustration the Radical Republicans in Congress had with the Reconstruction plans of Andrew Johnson. Find out what legislation they were able to pass over Johnson's veto, and how they attempted to protect emancipated...

Read this section from a chapter on "The Era of Reconstruction" to learn about Lincoln's plan to restore the Union at the end of the Civil War. Students will be able to discuss the tenets of Radical Republicanism and analyze the success...

Here is a brief article on the beginning of the Republican political party in Texas in 1867. which soon split into two factions.

During this period of American history, the presidents were in agreement, but the Republican party had some differences. This resource provides an explanation of those differences.

Before his assassination, Abraham Lincoln was already making plans for Reconstruction in the South. Read about his plan and the plan of the Radical Republicans. See the reasoning behind each plan.

A great chart comparing Lincoln's and Johnson's reconstruction plans with the plans offered by the Radical Republicans.

A very good overview of Reconstruction in the South after the Civil War. Find the questions that needed to be answered about how to reincorporate the Confederate states, what rights freed blacks would have, and how terms of...

Brief biography of Andrew Johnson followed by details of how Radical Republicans tried to take over the reconstruction by forcing Johnson out of office.

The re-election of Abraham Lincoln in 1864 was not a done deal. Read about the peace explorations, the Republican and Democratic conventions, the campaigns, and eventual "landslide" for Lincoln. From "The Civil War and Reconstruction" by...

Discusses the Black Codes that white Southerners imposed on African Americans after the Civil War and the efforts by Republican politicians to protect their rights.

This resource provides information about Reconstruction, the United States Government, slavery, and civil rights.

Here's a concise timeline that highlights the important facets of reconstruction from the announcement of Abraham Lincoln's reconstruction plans to the end of reconstruction at the election of Rutherford B. Hayes.

An excellent distillation of the many issues addressed in the Reconstruction period in the South in the twelve years after the end of the Civil War.

The background essay provided in this lesson plan on the later ramifications of the 14th Amendment explains the Congressional legislation of all types during Reconstruction. Click on the 'View' button to read the Amendment.

The Radical Republicans in Congress did not approve of President Andrew Johnson's attempts to thwart their plans for Reconstruction. See what charges they used to impeach Johnson and find out why he was not removed from office.

A four-page discussion of Reconstruction from the plans Lincoln made while the Civil War was still raging to the end of Reconstruction with the election of Rutherford B. Hayes.

A look at how Andrew Johnson tried to carry out Lincoln's plan for reconstruction. Read onto the second page to find out how the congressional plan thwarted Johnson and was much more punitive.

Abraham Lincoln did not have universal backing in the conduct of the Civil War. Read about the opposition, mainly from the Democrats, who opposed emancipation of the slaves and waging a war to reunited the country.

Opposition to Congressional Reconstruction was strong in South Carolina. Read about how this opposition was carried out and how it affected the newly freed African Americans in state elections in South Carolina. The national election of...

A description of the Tenure of Office Act and why it caused problems for Andrew Johnson, leading to his impeachment. From part of a larger site filled with primary source information about Johnson's trial.

An even-handed description of carpetbaggers and scalawags, particularly in regard to their beneficial activities in Arkansas.

A clear explanation of the events that led to the trial and impeachment of Andrew Johnson. Included are the articles of impeachment.