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Third, Lincoln was a popular figure among both Northerners and Southerners. His assassination created a sense of national unity and made it more difficult for white Southerners to oppose Reconstruction.

If Lincoln had lived, it is possible that he would have been able to achieve a more just and equitable Reconstruction. However, it is also possible that he would have faced opposition from white Southerners and from some members of Congress. Ultimately, it is impossible to say for sure what would have happened.

Here are some specific ways in which Reconstruction might have been different if Lincoln had lived:

• Lincoln’s plan for Reconstruction would have been implemented, which would have granted citizenship to African Americans and given them the right to vote.
• The Radical Republicans would have had more influence over Reconstruction, which would have led to more aggressive measures to protect the rights of African Americans.
• The transition from slavery to freedom would have been smoother, as Lincoln was committed to helping African Americans adjust to their new lives as free people.
• The legacy of Reconstruction would be more positive, as it would be seen as a time when the nation made progress towards racial equality.

Of course, it is also possible that Reconstruction would have been just as difficult and divisive even if Lincoln had lived. However, it is clear that his death had a significant impact on the course of Reconstruction.