Changing Attitudes to Emancipation and Reconstruction (1863-1867)

Emancipation Proclamation: January 1863 saw President Lincoln announce the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory as free. This effectively shifted the goal of the Civil War to include the abolition of slavery.
African-American Soldiers: The 54th Massachusetts Regiment, an all-black regiment, played a significant role in Civil War, highlighting African-Americans’ contribution in the quest for their freedom.
European Alliance: The Emancipation Proclamation also assisted in preventing European nations, particularly Britain and France, from allying with the Confederate states, as it framed the war as a fight against slavery.

The Ten Percent Plan: In 1863, Lincoln introduced the Ten Percent Plan, which allowed for the re-admission into the Union of seceded states, if 10% of their voters swore allegiance to the Union and agreed to the abolishment of slavery.
Wade-Davis Bill (1864): Radical Republicans proposed the Wade-Davis Bill, which required 50% of citizens in a rebel state to take a loyalty oath before the state could be readmitted. Lincoln’s pocket veto left the bill unsigned, reflecting the fraught political landscape within which reconstruction existed.
Freedmen’s Bureau (1865): Established in 1865, this federal agency aimed to help integrate newly freed African-Americans and impoverished Whites back into society by providing food, education, and healthcare.

Lincoln’s Assassination: Lincoln’s assassination in April 1865 changed the trajectory of Reconstruction, as his plans for reconciliation and reunification far exceeded those of his successor.
President Johnson: Vice President Andrew Johnson assumed the Presidency after Lincoln’s death. His lenient Reconstruction policies, including pardons for former Confederates and the rapid re-admission of Southern states, sparked conflict with Radical Republicans in Congress.

Congressional Reconstruction Act: In 1867, Congress took control of Reconstruction and divided the Southern states into five military districts to be readmitted upon ratification of the 14th Amendment.
14th Amendment (1866/1868): The amendment, proposing citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, irrespective of race, was vehemently opposed by Southern states, effectively highlighting the resistance to the emancipation and civil rights measures.

Whitelash: There was severe opposition to emancipation and Reconstruction from white southerners, often manifesting in violence towards African-Americans and white supporters of Reconstruction.
Northern Perception: While Northern citizens largely endorsed emancipation, support for civil equalities for African-Americans was less forthcoming, indicating deep-rooted racial biases.
African-American Response: Freed African-Americans embraced their new status, sought family members separated during slavery, formed their own institutions and strived for literacy and economic independence. The right for African-Americans to vote, ensured by the 15th Amendment (1870), was seen as a significant victory.