Which statement best describes president lincoln's views of the reconstruction of the south following the civil war? a) "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." b) "with malice towards none, with charity for all." c) "the south began the war, and they should be punished for starting it." d) "ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country."

The statement that best describes President Lincoln's views of the Reconstruction of the South following the Civil War is  B) "With malice towards none, with charity for all".  

Explanation: The Reconstruction consisted in the transformation of the 11 ex-Confederate states. One important part of the Reconstruction was the intention of ending with slavery in all of these states. Lincoln supported this transformation since he believed that the North and the South had to be united. Actually, he was convinced that the South had never legally seceded from the Union. In that way, his intention was never punishing the South for the war, but to help the South to recover from the war and reunite the states. The Reconstruction was closely connected to charity towards the South; for that reason, option B. is the correct one.

B) With malice towards none, with charity for all.  

Further Explanation-

The Reconstruction Era championed the cause of Reconstruction and Recovery for all of the United States, which meant integrating the Confederate States within the Union. President Lincoln envisioned collective measures to repair damages and destruction that occurred in the Southern States, and to come up with measures to integrate the African slaves within the American economy and society. This would be possible after granting American citizenship to the African American slaves’, and creating educational opportunities and job training. The abolition of slavery, granting them equal citizenship and integrating the Confederate States to the Union was confirmed by three Constitutional amendments that occurred during this era.

When it became evident that the Confederate states would be defeated in the Civil War due to major victories obtained in Gettysburg and Vicksburg, President Lincoln formulated his ideas for the Reconstruction of the Confederate States, to re-include them into the Union. He formulated his plan on the approach of forgiveness towards the Southern States, as he believed that there was no formal secession on their part. President Lincoln declared the Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction, which would grant pardon to the Confederate Generals on unconditional surrender and acceptance of the Union. His plan favored co-operation with the regional governments, and assist them in the efforts of self-Reconstruction. President Lincoln insisted on the redrafting of regional Constitutiona by the States, which included provisions for the freed slaves, and these constitutions would have to be ratified by the Congress.

Answer Details

Grade- Secondary School

Chapter- The American Civil War.

Subject- History.

Keywords-

Reconstruction, confederate states, secession, pardon, amnesty, admission to the union, citizenship, drafting of new constitutions.