Which statement describes the attitude of the "radical republicans" following the civil war?
a) "southern states should pass the 'black codes.' "
b) "the southern states have been conquered and should be punished for their actions."
c) "former confederate leaders should be forgiven for their actions during the civil war."
d) "the country should follow president lincoln's plans to reunite the country as quickly as possible."

The correct answer is B) "The Southern states have been conquered and should be punished for their actions."

The Radical Republicans consisted of mainly Northern politicians who felt that the blame for the Civil War should be placed on the South. They felt that the South's secession from the Union and their reaction to the Election of 1860 caused significant problems in American society. This is why Radical Republicans want to punish the South for their actions. They want to ensure that these states will never secede or start another conflict like the Civil War again.

The answer to the question is a.