The Making of Radical Reconstruction Summary and Analysis

In Chapter 6, Foner examines the rise of the influence of the Radical Republicans on Reconstruction policy. Led by prominent congressmen Representative Thaddeus Stevens and Senator Charles Sumner, the radical wing of the Republican Party saw reconstruction as a unique chance to extend their ideology of civil rights extended to all citizens under a strong national government.

The Radical Republicans introduced a series of bills in the 39th Congress, none of which passed both houses, which were controlled by more moderate Republicans. Although sympathetic to some of the radical ideals, the moderates did not endorse black voting rights. Two important bills did arise under moderate leadership, however, the Freedmen's Bill and the Civil Rights bill.

The Freedman's Bill proposed the continued operation of the Freedmen's Bureau in the South. The Civil Rights Bill guaranteed...