What was the primary goal of the Radical Republicans' reform programs?

Question

What was the primary goal of the Radical Republicans' reform programs?

a. to prevent freed slaves from owning land after the Civil War
b. to establish equality under the law for freed African Americans
c. to recognize outstanding military leaders of the Confederacy
d. to restore white southern representation in Congress

Answer 1

The correct answer is b. to establish equality under the law for freed African Americans. Radical Republicans were committed to achieving civil rights and equality for African Americans and other minorities in the United States. After the Civil War, they sought to ensure that the newly emancipated slaves were granted citizenship and equal rights under the law. They pushed for the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the Constitution, which abolished slavery, granted citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the United States, and guaranteed voting rights regardless of race.