There is a quintessential flaw at the heart of Reconstruction that was never addressed by any of its policies. This element was open communication. Although there were several successes that came from Reconstruction, such as the ultimate and legitimate end to slavery, it never addressed the personal side of incorporating blacks into mainstream society. Things such as literacy and education were not included in the overall scheme; therefore they served as additional hurdles that were perceived as insurmountable. Too much sacrifice had already been made by Americans. They would not tolerate additional costs to their livelihood at the hand of change. By preventing black people to perceive freedom, whites could maintain some aspect of their former lives.
Understanding that leniency was necessary to reunite the North and South, Lincoln’s Ten Percent Plan ignored the tear in the fabric of the nation, and was never meant to be anything more than a tool to entice the South into reunification and begin the long process of inclusion for all. The Wade-Davis Bill was a direct response to the President that showed the anger between the North and South over their sacrifices. Although it would have taken too long, a successful Wade-Davis Bill and today this country would be much more unified with minorities. Failure of this bill could have created two smaller, less powerful nations. The ‘Iron Clad Oath’ seemed almost dismissive of war crimes. Lincoln, however, was not concerned with his congress’ perception of his and pocket vetoed the bill. Unfortunately, we never will know what might’ve happened if Lincoln’s life had not been taken. But the more I learn it occurs that neither Lincoln’s plans nor any other political plans in The Reconstruction era had the support to continue forcing change. With so much societal pressure to perceive, blacks as less than Americans, there was no desire to approach Reconstruction in a way that gave blacks any real economic or...