Final answer:
The statement is false. In 1865, many Republicans were actually Radical Republicans who favored policies to completely refashion the South after the Civil War. They were not the minority in Congress as they were a significant faction within the Republican Party.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is false. In 1865, many Republicans were actually Radical Republicans, who were in favor of policies that would completely refashion the South after its defeat in the Civil War. They believed in extending full rights to African Americans. On the other hand, the moderate faction of Republicans opposed the radical policies and favored more moderate approaches. So, the Radical Republicans were not the minority in Congress, but rather a significant faction within the Republican Party.