Exam 22: The Ordeal of Reconstruction,1865-1877

arrow
  • Select Tags
search iconSearch Question
  • Select Tags

Identify and state the historical significance of the following: -Freedmen's Bureau

Free
(Short Answer)
4.8/5
(73)
Correct Answer:
Answered by Examlex AI Copilot

The Freedmen's Bureau, officially known as the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, was a U.S. federal government agency established in 1865, shortly before the end of the American Civil War. Its primary purpose was to aid and protect the newly freed African American slaves in the South during the Reconstruction era.

The historical significance of the Freedmen's Bureau lies in its role as the first federal agency in American history that was specifically designed to address the needs of African Americans. The Bureau provided various forms of assistance, including:

1. **Social Services**: It distributed food and clothing to destitute individuals, both black and white, in the aftermath of the war.

2. **Education**: The Bureau played a crucial role in the establishment of schools for freed slaves, including the founding of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). It helped in the creation of educational opportunities that were previously denied to African Americans under slavery.

3. **Legal Assistance**: The Bureau helped freedmen legalize marriages and locate lost family members. It also provided legal representation to African Americans in both civil and criminal cases, helping to protect their rights in a hostile Southern legal environment.

4. **Employment**: The Bureau negotiated labor contracts between freedmen and landowners and monitored the treatment of laborers, attempting to ensure fair wages and working conditions.

5. **Land Redistribution**: Although the Bureau attempted to redistribute land to former slaves (the famous "40 acres and a mule" policy), this aspect of its mission was largely unsuccessful due to political opposition and the restoration of land to former Confederate owners.

The Freedmen's Bureau faced significant opposition from Southern whites and was often hampered by inadequate funding and staffing. Despite these challenges, it made notable strides in improving the lives of African Americans during its existence. However, the Bureau was dissolved in 1872, and many of its programs were prematurely terminated, leaving a lasting impact on the social and economic development of African Americans.

The legacy of the Freedmen's Bureau is mixed. While it was a groundbreaking agency that set a precedent for federal involvement in social welfare and civil rights, its limited success and the eventual compromise that ended Reconstruction left many of its promises unfulfilled. Nevertheless, the Bureau's efforts laid the groundwork for future civil rights advancements and highlighted the federal government's responsibility to protect the rights of all citizens.

What role did each of the following play in the congressional assumption of control over Reconstruction policy: Black Codes,Southern election of former Confederates,and President Johnson's personality and actions?

Free
(Essay)
4.9/5
(90)
Correct Answer:
Answered by Examlex AI Copilot

The Black Codes played a significant role in the congressional assumption of control over Reconstruction policy by enraging Northern Republicans and fueling their determination to protect the rights of newly freed African Americans. These discriminatory laws, enacted by Southern states, aimed to restrict the freedom and economic opportunities of black citizens, leading to widespread outrage and calls for federal intervention.

The Southern election of former Confederates also contributed to the congressional assumption of control over Reconstruction policy. The election of former Confederates to positions of power in the Southern states signaled a return to the pre-war status quo and a rejection of the rights and freedoms of African Americans. This further galvanized Northern Republicans to take action to ensure that the goals of Reconstruction were upheld.

President Johnson's personality and actions also played a crucial role in the congressional assumption of control over Reconstruction policy. Johnson, who succeeded Abraham Lincoln after his assassination, was a Southern Democrat with lenient views towards the former Confederate states. His opposition to radical Reconstruction measures and his use of veto power to block legislation aimed at protecting the rights of African Americans led to a breakdown in relations with Congress and ultimately resulted in the passage of the Reconstruction Acts, which shifted control over Reconstruction policy from the president to Congress.

In summary, the Black Codes, Southern election of former Confederates, and President Johnson's personality and actions all contributed to the congressional assumption of control over Reconstruction policy by fueling Northern Republican outrage and determination to protect the rights of newly freed African Americans and by highlighting the need for federal intervention to ensure the success of Reconstruction efforts.

The Exodusters' westward mass migration finally faltered when

Free
(Multiple Choice)
4.9/5
(71)
Correct Answer:
Verified

C

Why was President Johnson impeached? Why didn't the Senate convict him of "high crimes and misdemeanors"? Would Johnson's conviction have permanently altered the balance of power between Congress and the President?

(Essay)
4.8/5
(85)

Identify and state the historical significance of the following: -Ku Klux Klan

(Short Answer)
4.8/5
(75)

Identify and state the historical significance of the following: -Oliver O.Howard

(Short Answer)
4.9/5
(97)

Congress objected to the readmission of Southern states to the Union under Johnson's plan because

(Multiple Choice)
5.0/5
(82)

At the end of the Civil War,many white Southerners

(Multiple Choice)
4.8/5
(76)

The main purpose of the Black Codes was to

(Multiple Choice)
4.9/5
(72)

Identify and state the historical significance of the following: -Wade-Davis Bill

(Short Answer)
4.7/5
(88)

In his 10 percent plan for Reconstruction,President Lincoln promised

(Multiple Choice)
4.9/5
(84)

As part of their Reconstruction plan,radical Republicans originally expected to

(Multiple Choice)
4.8/5
(89)

Identify and state the historical significance of the following: -Tenure of Office Act

(Short Answer)
4.8/5
(85)

Identify and state the historical significance of the following: -moderate/radical Republicans

(Short Answer)
4.7/5
(76)

From 1878 to 1880,some twenty-five thousand blacks from Louisiana,Texas,and Mississippi were known as the Exodusters; they were

(Multiple Choice)
4.9/5
(84)

____ believed that the Southern states had completely left the Union and were therefore,"conquered provinces" that had to seek readmission on whatever terms Congress demanded.

(Multiple Choice)
4.9/5
(69)

Had you been present,would you have been a supporter of President Johnson's plan for Reconstruction,a moderate Republican,or a radical Republican? Why?

(Essay)
4.8/5
(71)

As a politician,Andrew Johnson developed a reputation as a(n)

(Multiple Choice)
4.8/5
(70)

Identify and state the historical significance of the following: -sharecropping

(Short Answer)
4.9/5
(86)

Compare and contrast Lincoln's,Johnson's,and Congress's plans for Reconstruction.Cite what was included and what was omitted.Which program do you think was the best? Why?

(Essay)
4.7/5
(86)
Showing 1 - 20 of 99
close modal

Filters

  • Essay(0)
  • Multiple Choice(0)
  • Short Answer(0)
  • True False(0)
  • Matching(0)