The Civil War Essay -- essays research papers

The Civil WarDuring both the well-behaved war and civil war reconstruction time periods, there were m both an(prenominal) changes going on in the Union. The Emancipation Proclamation, as well as legislation such as the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth amendments, was causing a new awakening of democracy while the renouncing of secession by the confederation marked a definite triumph for Nationalism. As well, the government was winding in altercations of its own. During reconstruction, the legislative and executive branches fifty-fiftytually came to blows over the use of power. The landed estate was being altered by forces which caused, and later repaired, a broken Union. The start-off of these "forces", was the expansion of democracy. As early as 1862, Lincoln was taking a major step in that direction. On September 22, Lincoln proclaimed the freeing of all slaves in areas not in Union control. Although the resolve did not free all slaves everywhere, it was the ac tion that would push relative to ply the thirteenth amendment in 1865. The amendment, ratified later in 1865, stated that " incomplete slavery nor involuntary servitude . . . shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." It seemed democracy had triumphed by giving freedom to slaves, further the amendment was not complete. It only stopped slavery, and made no provisions for citizenship therefore, blacks were quiesce not con postred United States citizens. The fourteenth amendment was the democratic expansion that fixed that problem. before passed to "put a number of matters beyond the control or discreetness of the president," the amendment also made "All persons born or naturalized in the United States . . . citizens of the United States." It also provided that, "No State shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States." This not only gave new meaning to black mens room freedom, bu t it also gave a new and broader meaning to citizenship. Those drafting the amendment hoped that the greatness of would cover "unanticipated abuses", yet, the general phrasing was only an advantage to abusers. there is no listing of the "privileges or immunities" offered to U.S. citizens. In fact, there is not even a clarification of what rights a "citizen" has. These generalities, and the abuses that went with them, prompted ... ...civil rights bill. The bill would have given blacks a considerable new amount of freedom from discriminatory southern actions. Johnson took his stalling against the radical Republicans in congress when the fourteenth amendment was first passed. While congress ask ratification of the amendment as part of reconstruction, Johnson denounced the amendment and advised states not to signalise it. "the battle between the executive and legislative branches settled into a sure rhythm Congress would pass a bill, the president woul d veto it, Congress would override it." This "rhythm" continued until Johnson violated the Tenure of office act, which required senate approval to remove presidential cabinet members. Johnson violated the act by removing Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. The House of Representatives approved articles of impeachment and in May 1868, Johnson was impeached by the House. The senate, by one vote, did not remove him from the office of president. Neither side had won that battle for power Johnson had lost his ability to be an hard-hitting president, yet it had been established that impeachment could not be used as a congressional political weapon.