Historical Significance of Radical Republicans

The main gain from the Radical Republicans was black suffrage. This later lead to women wanting their rights to vote.

Slaves Voting

The excercise of democratic rights by former slaves constitututed a political and social revolution in the South and was bitterly resented by whites. 1871

Impeachment of President Andrew Johnson

Radical Republicans tried to impeach President Andrew Johnson for violating the Tenure of Office Act. They were tired of Pr. Johnson's vetos. Two Radical Republicans in 1868, were unsuccessful in their attempt to convict the Presient. They were one vote short of impeaching President Johnson.

Radical Republican Quotes

Radical Republican Reconstruction Quotes from the leading forces; Thaddeus Stevens and Charles Sumner.

15th Amendment

Radical Republicans wanted to place black suffrage in the Constitution. The 15th Amendment made blacks voters. This was passed in 1870.

Reconstruction Plan

The website below states the 3 main factors that motivated the Radical Republicans in making their Reconstruction Plan.

http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h180.html

14th Amendment

Radical Republicans did not want the Southerners to win control of Congress and repeal the Civil Rights Bill. They passed the 14th Amendment to make sure that the concepts of the Civil Rights Bill was put into the Constitution. Radical Republicans were disappointed that the 14th Amendment did not give emancipated blacks the rights to vote, but made sure that if seceeded states wanted to rejoin the Union, that the states would have to ratify the 14th Amendment.