As compared to the Reconstruction plans of Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, the Congressional Reconstruction plan was more focused on which of the following? (1 point) Responses protecting the political rights of African Americans protecting the political rights of African Americans protecting Southern business interests protecting Southern business interests punishing "border states" for not supporting the Union punishing "border states" for not supporting the Union punishing Southern states for seceding
The Congressional Reconstruction plan was more focused on protecting the political rights of African Americans.
The Congressional Reconstruction plan was more focused on protecting the political rights of African Americans.
To determine which aspect the Congressional Reconstruction plan was more focused on, we need to understand the differences between the plans proposed by Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, and the Congressional Reconstruction plan.
1. Abraham Lincoln's Reconstruction plan: Lincoln's plan, also known as the Ten Percent Plan, was lenient toward the southern states that seceded from the Union. It required only ten percent of a state's voters to take an oath of loyalty to the Union in order for the state to be readmitted. This plan was aimed at fostering reconciliation and restoring the Union quickly.
2. Andrew Johnson's Reconstruction plan: After Lincoln's assassination, Johnson, his successor, continued with a similar approach. Johnson's plan pardoned most former Confederates and allowed the southern states to reestablish their governments relatively easily. However, he did require the states to accept the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery.
3. Congressional Reconstruction plan: This plan, also known as Radical Reconstruction, was introduced by the Radical Republicans in Congress who were dissatisfied with Johnson's leniency. They sought to take a more assertive approach in protecting the rights of formerly enslaved African Americans while also punishing Southern states for their role in secession. Several key measures were implemented, including the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the 14th Amendment, and the Reconstruction Acts of 1867.
Considering these differences, it becomes clear that the Congressional Reconstruction plan was more focused on protecting the political rights of African Americans. The plan aimed to secure equal rights for African Americans by implementing the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and passing the 14th Amendment, which granted them citizenship and equal protection under the law. Additionally, the Reconstruction Acts of 1867 enforced military rule in the South to ensure voting rights for African Americans and called for the creation of new state governments that included African American representation.
Therefore, the correct answer is: protecting the political rights of African Americans.