Question

Why was President Lincoln unable to persuade Congress to accept his Reconstruction plan?

1. that rich, white southern landowners would not return to power

2. that the South would return to its prewar system without slavery

3. that the political and civil rights of freedmen would be guaranteed

4. that the South would remain as a conquered nation 

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot]

The answer is not clear-cut, but it is likely a combination of factors. One factor is that President Lincoln's plan was seen by some members of Congress as too lenient towards the former Confederate states. Additionally, Lincoln's assassination in 1865 meant that he was unable to enforce his plan, and his successor, Andrew Johnson, had his own, more controversial, approach to Reconstruction. Finally, there was significant disagreement among Republicans in Congress about the best path forward for Reconstruction. Some advocated for a more punitive approach, while others favored a more conciliatory one.