Over the past two days we have been focusing on Reconstruction. Yesterday, we completed a chart about the different plans for Reconstruction: Lincoln's Ten-Percent Plan, Johnson's Presidential Plan, and the plans of the Radical Republicans. Lincoln planned to let the South rejoin the Union with at least the support of 10% of voters. Johnson was lenient in pardoning the South, but set specific standards for rejoining the Union. The Radical Republicans set their plans into motion by harshly punishing the South. They required the South to be divided into military districts led by Union generals. We then colored a map in to show the five military districts. I agree most with Johnson's plan. It allows the country to move on from the war without angering the South and causing greater conflicts.
Today, we read Andrew Johnson's obituary from The New York Times. I was impressed by all of the govermental positions Johnson held among other achievements. It was surprising that he never went to a formal school. Maybe that explains why he worked well with Lincoln, because he also came from a poor background. I think Johnson seems too controlling as president. He worked to keep his allies in political positions and to veto any laws that did not benefit his presidency. That led to his impeachment. Though Johnson may have had some flaws, he left a lasting positive impression on the United States.
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