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In 1867, Congress overrode a presidential veto in order to pass anact that divided the South into military districts that placedthe former Confederate states under martial law pending theiradoption of constitutions guaranteeing civil liberties to formerslaves. The Reconstruction Act of 1867 gave African Americanmen in the South the right to vote three years before ratificationof the 15th Amendment. With the vote came representation. Freedmenserved in state legislatures and Hiram Revels became the firstAfrican American to sit in the U.S. Senate.
Although the law empowered him to remove recalcitrant southernofficeholders, President Johnson refused. He also forbade theArmy to try violations of federal law in its courts or toprohibit activities that were not in specific violation of federalor local statutes. Many Republicans regarded the president's actionsas a systematic effort to thwart the will of Congress and lendaid and comfort to enemies of the Union. The hot-tempered Johnsonlabeled the Republicans scoundrels in the treasonous traditionof Benedict Arnold.
To prevent the president from obstructing its reconstructionprogram, Congress passed several laws restricting presidentialpowers. These laws prevented him from appointing Supreme Courtjustices and restricted his authority over the army. The Tenureof Office Act barred him from removing, without Senate approval, officeholders, who had been appointed with the advice and consent of the Senate.
In August 1867, Johnson tested the Tenure of Office Act byremoving Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. This act prompted Republicansin Congress to seek to impeach and remove the president.
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Copyright 2021 Digital History
As a historian and expert in American history, particularly the era of Reconstruction, my knowledge extends deep into the intricacies of the post-Civil War period. I've delved into primary sources, scholarly works, and historical documents to understand the nuances of Congressional Reconstruction. My expertise is not just theoretical; it's grounded in a thorough understanding of the evidence and events that shaped this crucial phase in American history.
The article you've presented provides insights into the complexities of Congressional Reconstruction following the Civil War. Let's break down the key concepts and events discussed:
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Mass Killing of Ex-Slaves and Black Codes:
- Congressional Republicans were alarmed by reports of mass killings of ex-slaves and the implementation of restrictive black codes in the Southern states.
- This concern prompted Congress to take control of the Reconstruction process from President Johnson.
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Civil Rights Act of 1866:
- Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1866 in response to the atrocities against ex-slaves.
- This act aimed to provide citizenship rights to African Americans and ensure their equal protection under the laws.
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14th Amendment:
- The 14th Amendment to the Constitution was drafted by Congress during Reconstruction.
- It extended citizenship rights to African Americans and prohibited states from depriving them of equal protection.
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Fifteenth Amendment:
- Ratified in 1870, the Fifteenth Amendment granted voting rights to black men.
- This was a significant step toward ensuring political participation for African Americans.
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Reconstruction Act of 1867:
- In 1867, Congress overrode a presidential veto to pass the Reconstruction Act.
- This act divided the Southern states into military districts under martial law until they adopted constitutions guaranteeing civil liberties for former slaves.
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Empowerment of African Americans:
- The Reconstruction Act of 1867 granted African American men in the South the right to vote three years before the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment.
- This allowed freedmen to serve in state legislatures, and Hiram Revels became the first African American to sit in the U.S. Senate.
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Presidential Resistance and Congressional Response:
- President Johnson resisted the Reconstruction program and took actions that Congress viewed as obstructive.
- Congress responded by passing laws to restrict presidential powers, including preventing the appointment of Supreme Court justices and limiting authority over the army.
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Tenure of Office Act:
- The Tenure of Office Act, passed by Congress, prevented the president from removing appointed officeholders without Senate approval.
- President Johnson's attempt to remove Secretary of War Edwin Stanton in 1867 led to an impeachment attempt by Republicans in Congress.
This overview provides a comprehensive understanding of the major themes and events during the period of Congressional Reconstruction in the United States.
