Post Civil War Reconstruction: Success Or Failure?

379 Words2 Pages

American Reconstruction has been a hot topic of debate since it was considered finished. The post Civil War Reconstruction period was unsuccessful because of the lack of power held by the Radical Republicans, the shortage of northern influence in the south, and the closed minds of southern government officials. This was magnified after President Lincoln's death, when Andrew Johnson took presidency. Historian Eric Foner described Johnson as, "Once lionized as a heroic defender of the Constitution against Radical Republicans, Johnson today is viewed by historians as one of the worst presidents to occupy the White House." His lack of support and effort towards the reconstruction in all areas was a major cause of the failure. Although one could

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