How did the Radical Republicans respond to the actions of southern legislatures?
The Radical Republicans, a faction of the Republican Party during the Reconstruction era, responded to the actions of southern legislatures with outrage and condemnation. They viewed the actions of southern legislatures, which implemented discriminatory laws known as Black Codes and sought to limit the rights and freedoms of newly freed African Americans, as violations of the principles of equality and justice.
In response, the Radical Republicans passed a series of laws known as the Reconstruction Acts, which aimed to bring the southern states back into the Union under strict guidelines. These laws imposed military rule in the South, required the states to ratify the 14th Amendment granting citizenship and equal protection under the law to all citizens, and gave African American men the right to vote.
The Radical Republicans also sought to impeach President Andrew Johnson, who they believed was too lenient towards the actions of southern legislatures. While Johnson was not removed from office, the efforts of the Radical Republicans in Congress helped to shape the course of Reconstruction and ensure that African Americans gained greater rights and protections in the South.