How would reconstruction been different if Abraham Lincoln had lived?

Answer 1

Before Lincoln died, He told his acquaintances, "For once in my life as President, I find myself in a position to give everybody something!"

Lincoln died within 10 hours of being shot in the head at Ford's Theatre on April 14, 1865. Abraham Lincoln might have survived being shot if today's medical technology had existed. However, Lincoln would have months of recovery before he could have returned to office, and whether he would have been able to communicate is unclear.

Johnson, who took office after Lincoln's death, was the only Southern senator not to leave office upon secession. Lincoln had put him on the presidential ticket as a symbol of unity, but Johnson was a southern Democrat who was not sympathetic to Lincoln's Republican Party or to helping the newly-freed slaves.

Answer 2

Yes, the reconstruction period would have been shorter and more gentle.

Answer 3

If Abraham Lincoln had lived, the reconstruction would likely have been very different. His beliefs would have lengthened the struggle for black equality.

Answer 4

worse