Abraham Lincoln and the Radical Republicans had very different ideas about how to rebuild the country after the Civil War.

Lincoln's Approach:

• Moderate: Lincoln wanted to have a gentle plan for rebuilding. His goal was to bring the country back together quickly.
• 10% Plan: He suggested that if just 10% of a state's voters promised to be loyal to the Union, that state could create a new government.
• Forgiveness: Lincoln focused on healing and coming together. He famously said, “With malice toward none,” meaning he wanted to move on without holding grudges.

Radical Republicans’ Approach:

• Harsh Measures: The Radical Republicans wanted tougher rules for the South. They believed it was important to protect the rights of newly freed African Americans.
• Wade-Davis Bill: They created a plan that required 50% of white men in a state to swear loyalty to the Union before the state could join again.
• Civil Rights: They pushed for laws that would protect African Americans, believing these protections were crucial for real change.

These different strategies not only showed the split between groups but also impacted how Reconstruction unfolded.