You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
alternatehistory.com
The Spirit of Mortal: Lincoln Lives On
The End Is a New Beginning
On April 9th, 1865, The American Civil War came to a definitive close after four bloody long years when Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses Grant at the McLean House in Appomattox, Virginia. Coincidentally and perhaps ironically, the Battle of First Manassas, the first major battle of the war, happened on the grounds of Wilmer McLean's first home. McLean is credited to having said "The war began in my front yard and ended in my front parlor" From Appomattox, Virginia, the news of the surrender soon spread throughout the nation.
Two days later, a jubilant crowd stood outside the White House calling for President Lincoln. Lincoln one of his visions for reconstruction, the Louisiana Plan, named after actions undertaken in Union-controlled Louisiana, it granted amnesty to former Confederates who took an oath of loyalty to the Union. 10% of a state's electorate had to take the loyalty oath for the state to have representation into U.S. Congress, and the state was required to abolish slavery in its new constitution. When all these steps were taken, The state would be re-admitted to the Union.
Radical Republicans believed that the Louisiana Plan did not go far enough because only 10% of the voting population had to take a loyalty oath. The Radicals would need considerable sway of mind to change their opinions or they would threaten the President's Reconstruction plans, but Lincoln was a pragmatic man who was known for compromise and political skill. Either way, this threat was not on Lincoln's mind, he was joyous at the thought of no longer being President during war and looked forward to reconnecting with his wife, Mary. He'd start by attending the theatre, one of his favorite pastimes.
The Rough Road Ahead
After a month, the celebrations began to die down and reality began to sink in. Much had to be done as Congress had only passed the 13th Amendment, which was awaiting ratification, and the Freedman's Bureau. Important questions about Reconstruction were raised; who would be responsible for policy, Congress or the President? How would Reconstruction be enforced? Who would enforce it? Should the military occupy the South? Lincoln decided to take a moderate approach, He would task the U.S. Marshalls with enforcing any new Reconstruction laws. In compromise, Lincoln would let The Senate confirm his appointees to military governorships. The idea of having U.S. Army intervene in the South was off the table because he believed it was unwise to have federal troops look after the very same people they had fought against. In response for his actions, President Lincoln received criticism from both Radicals and Conservatives, but he thought little of it. Describing his critics he once said, "It was if there was a famished mountain lion and bear, and I was the only sustenance in sight."
In the coming years, the role of the federal government would drastically change and the role of the Presidency would be come much more important.