The Civil War and Reconstruction

In the beginning, each side in the Civil War believed the war would be brief and that their side would win. What advantages did each side hold that made them feel this way? Elaborate. After the war, Lincoln had one plan for bringing the rebel states back into the Union; Andrew Johnson another: and the Radical Republican Congress a third. Discuss the aims of each president and explain why and in what ways Congress took control of Reconstruction. The second part of this very large discussion assignment addresses Reconstruction. The key here, I think, is the terminology. Reconstruction. The act of rebuilding something that was, somehow, undone. So, yes, Reconstruction is about rebuilding a political entity known as the United States. Perhaps it is about rebuilding an integrated economy. But is it about rebuilding a society and a culture? Or is it about creating a new one to replace one that was lost? (Hint: There are differing viewpoints on this part of it!) So, as you explore the question above, also examine this: was Reconstruction really just reconstruction? Or was it reinvention? And was it successful politically, economically, socially, culturally? I would argue yes, and no, depending on how it's measured. What say you?      

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