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Reconstruction

Grace Lewis

Grace Lewis

7 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This AP US History study guide covers Reconstruction focusing on three main questions: the reintegration of Confederates, the future of formerly enslaved people, and the balance of power between Congress and the President. Key topics include the Reconstruction Amendments, Lincoln's 10% Plan, the Wade-Davis Bill, the Freedmen's Bureau, Johnson's Presidential Reconstruction and Black Codes, Radical Republican Reconstruction, and Johnson's impeachment. The guide also provides practice questions and exam tips.

AP US History: Reconstruction Study Guide 🚀

Hey there! Let's get you prepped for the APUSH exam with a super-focused review of Reconstruction. We'll make sure you're not just memorizing facts, but understanding the big picture. Let's dive in!

The Big Questions of Reconstruction

Reconstruction was a messy, complicated time, but it all boils down to three key questions:

  1. What to do with former Confederates? How should they be reintegrated into the Union?
  2. What to do with formerly enslaved people? How would they be given rights and opportunities?
  3. Who decides? Should it be Congress or the President? 🏛️ vs. 👑
Key Concept

These questions are the heart of Reconstruction. Understanding the different approaches to these questions is key to understanding the era.

Reconstruction Amendments

The Civil War and Reconstruction brought about huge changes in the US. The federal government became much more powerful, and it started protecting citizens' rights in new ways. Here are the key amendments:

  • 13th Amendment (1865): Abolished slavery. 🚫⛓️
  • 14th Amendment (1868): Granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all people born or naturalized in the US, including formerly enslaved people. 🇺🇸
  • 15th Amendment (1870): Granted African American men the right to vote. 🗳️
Exam Tip

Remember the order: 13th (Free), 14th (Citizens), 15th (Vote). It's a common MCQ topic.

Women's Rights Setback

The 14th and 15th Amendments didn't include women, which caused a big split in the women's rights movement. 💔

Lincoln’s Reconstruction Plan

Before his assassination, Lincoln had a plan:

  • Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction (10% Plan):
    • Full pardons for most Confederates who swore allegiance to the Union and accepted emancipation.🤝
    • A state could rejoin the Union when 10% of its voters took the loyalty oath. 📜
Quick Fact

Lincoln's plan was seen as lenient and focused on quickly restoring the Union.

Congress and Wade-Davis Reconstruction

Many Republicans in Congress thought Lincoln's plan was too soft. They wanted tougher terms:

  • Wade-Davis Bill (1864):
    • Required 50% of v...