Question

Unlike the radical republicans who were in congress during reconstruction, the moderate republicans believed the south needed to be severely punished. They were opposed to immediate reconciliation with the union. They thought that leniency would encourage slavery to continue. They believed that too much change would create more conflict. What was the belief of the moderate republicans towards the south during reconstruction?

1) They believed the south needed to be severely punished.
2) They were opposed to immediate reconciliation with the union.
3) They thought that leniency would encourage slavery to continue.
4) They believed that too much change would create more conflict.

Answer 1

Option (2), Moderate Republicans during Reconstruction believed in a lenient approach to reconcile with the South quickly, in contrast to the Radical Republicans who wanted to severely punish the South and protect formerly enslaved people.

Step-by-step explanation:

The belief of the moderate Republicans during Reconstruction was that there should not be excessive punishment imposed on the South. Contrary to the Radical Republicans, the moderates favored a more lenient approach that aimed for a quick reconciliation with the Union and believed in moderate change to avoid further conflict. This stance contrasted with the Radical Republicans, who sought to harshly punish the South and ensure protection for formerly enslaved people.

This reconciliation-focused approach aligned with President Lincoln's initial lenient plans for reunification, as exemplified by his Ten Percent Plan. The moderates did not believe that leniency would encourage slavery to continue, rather they believed that a swift return to union was essential, and too much change could exacerbate conflict.