Class Notes

Lincoln’s main goal for restoring the nation was to be lenient on the South, so the nation could heal.  His plan called for a mere 10% of the population to take a loyalty oath to the Union.  The states also had to accept the end of slavery.  In a bold move, he also gave a general amnesty to all Confederates, minus the highest leaders.  As for the leaders, they would have to individually apply for amnesty, which Lincoln gave freely.  Lincoln was smart enough to know that locking up or hanging men like Robert E. Lee would not heal, but only serve to antagonize for generations.  Had Lincoln acted differently, the US could very possibly had a relationship like the one created between England and Ireland.