Final answer:
Lincoln's policy on dissent and restoration during the Civil War aimed to reconcile the Union while ending slavery. He took a moderate approach that drew criticism from both Radical Republicans, who favored harsh reconstruction terms, and Peace Democrats, who opposed his presidential powers and emancipation. The dynamic between different Reconstruction plans symbolizes the tensions Lincoln navigated to achieve his objectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lincoln's Approach to Dissent and Restoration
Abraham Lincoln faced significant dissent during the Civil War, primarily from the Radical Republicans and the Peace Democrats. The Radical Republicans pushed for harsh treatment of the South and protection for former slaves, which led to the proposal of the Wade-Davis Bill. This bill required a stringent reconstruction process, including a loyalty oath and new constitutions that abolished slavery. Meanwhile, Peace Democrats, also known as Copperheads, criticized Lincoln's expansive use of presidential powers and his approach to emancipation. Throughout his presidency, Lincoln sought to balance various political agendas with the goal of restoring the Union and ending slavery, as seen in his lenient approach to the South in his restoration policy and his Emancipation Proclamation. He always addressed the challenge of maintaining the loyalty of the Border States and managing the burgeoning populations of formerly enslaved people.
In contrast to the Radical Republican approach, Lincoln's own restoration plan, while lenient, required that 90 percent of the 1860 voters did not have to swear allegiance to the Union or emancipation, which he hoped would encourage a quick reconciliation and acceptance of emancipation. This leniency was part of a broader strategy that included military efforts and handling the transition from a slave to a free labor system in the South. Despite supporting gradual emancipated compensation and a cautious approach to employing African American troops in the war effort, Lincoln's policies evolved to meet military needs and the push for abolition.