Final answer:
Lincoln was willing to compensate for the lost land of the Confederates and grant amnesty and pardon to former Confederate officers, as part of his plan to reintegrate the Southern states into the Union after the Civil War. This approach was meant to quicken reconciliation, though it faced opposition from Radical Republicans who favored harsher punishments for the Confederacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is referring to President Lincoln's approach during the Reconstruction era, after the Civil War. Lincoln was willing to compensate (pay for) the lost land of the Confederates and to grant amnesty and pardon to former Confederate officers. This plan was put forth in President Johnson's Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction in May 1865.
The intention of this approach was to forgive and reintegrate the Southern states into the Union in a non-punitive manner, although there were exceptions – the Confederate political leadership, high-ranking military officers, and persons with taxable property worth more than $20,000, who had to request a personal pardon from Johnson himself. This leniency was hoped to bring about a quick reconciliation; however, it met with opposition from Radical Republicans, who sought harsher punishments for the Confederates.
Moreover, Lincoln continuously stressed the importance of upholding the Constitution of the United States. His focus was on the reunification of the country, and his decision to abolish slavery was a significant part of this, as outlined in the Emancipation Proclamation signed on January 1, 1863.
Learn more about Reconstruction era