How did the reconstruction plan of Radical Republicans compare to those of Lincoln and Johnson?

Which one is right

They wanted to allow the North to keep slaves.

They were much stricter toward the South.

They were much more lenient toward the South.

They supported Lincoln's 10-percent plan.

The statement "They were much stricter toward the South" accurately describes the reconstruction plan of Radical Republicans compared to those of Lincoln and Johnson. Radical Republicans were known for their more aggressive and radical approach towards reconstructing the South after the Civil War. They believed in punishing and holding the Southern states accountable for their secession and involvement in the war, and they sought to enforce civil rights for freed slaves. This approach contrasted with the more lenient and conciliatory policies of Lincoln and Johnson.

The Reconstruction plans of the Radical Republicans differed significantly from those of Lincoln and Johnson. The correct statement is:

- They were much stricter toward the South.

Unlike Lincoln and Johnson, who aimed for a more lenient approach towards the South, the Radical Republicans wanted to impose a stricter approach to Reconstruction. They believed in punishing the Southern states for their role in the Civil War and ensuring the political and civil rights of freed slaves. The Radical Republicans' plan included measures such as the Reconstruction Acts of 1867, which facilitated the military occupation of the South and the granting of voting rights to African American men.

To compare the reconstruction plans of the Radical Republicans, Lincoln, and Johnson, we need to understand their key features.

1. Radical Republicans: The Radical Republicans advocated for a more aggressive approach to reconstruction after the American Civil War. They believed in punishing the South for its role in the war and promoting civil rights for newly emancipated slaves.

2. Lincoln: Abraham Lincoln's reconstruction plan, known as the Ten-Percent Plan, aimed to rapidly restore the Union and reconcile with the Confederate states. It offered amnesty to Southern states that pledged loyalty to the U.S. Constitution, with the condition that 10% of their voting population in the 1860 election took an oath of loyalty.

3. Johnson: After Lincoln's assassination, Andrew Johnson became president and pursued a more lenient approach to reconstruction. His plan allowed Southern states to quickly restore their governments by holding conventions, canceling their debts, and ratifying the Thirteenth Amendment (which abolished slavery).

Now, let's compare these plans to determine which statement is correct:

- They wanted to allow the North to keep slaves: This statement is incorrect. Both Radical Republicans and Lincoln were committed to ending slavery and granting civil rights to freed slaves.

- They were much stricter toward the South: This statement is correct. The Radical Republicans were indeed much stricter toward the South compared to Lincoln and Johnson. They aimed to impose harsher conditions on Southern states, protecting the rights of freed slaves, and promoting racial equality.

- They were much more lenient toward the South: This statement is incorrect. While Johnson's plan was relatively more lenient compared to the Radical Republicans, Lincoln's plan was also considered lenient as it aimed to quickly restore the Union and promote reconciliation.

- They supported Lincoln's 10-percent plan: This statement is incorrect. The Radical Republicans did not support Lincoln's Ten-Percent Plan because they believed it was too lenient towards the South and did not adequately protect the rights of freed slaves.

In conclusion, the statement "They were much stricter toward the South" accurately reflects the difference between the Reconstruction plans of the Radical Republicans, Lincoln, and Johnson.