Radical Republicans 

1854-1877

During and after the American Civil War, a member of the Republican Party committed to emancipation of the slaves and later to the equal treatment and enfranchisement of freed blacks.

Importance:

After the war, the Radicals demanded civil rights for freedmen, such as measures ensuring suffrage.
They initiated the Reconstruction Acts, and limited political and voting rights for ex-Confederates.
They bitterly fought President Andrew Johnson - weakened his powers and attempted to remove him from office through impeachment.  

Civil Rights Act 1866

Tried to abolish black codes by affirming African Americans' rights to full and equal benefit of laws and preceedings for the security of persons and property just like the white citizens.

Purpose:

To put an end to legal discrimination, and expand blacks rights.

Importance:

Johnson vetoed it but for the first time in history, Congress overrode the president's veto on a major legislation

Who:

Passed by Congress, applies to both freedmen and whites who would have to stop restricting rights

Where:

Mostly applies to people who were in the south, b/c that is the area where most freedmen has a hard time keeping/having equal rights

Force Act / KKK Act 1871

The third Enforcement Act passed by Congress which made state officials liable in federal court for depriving anyone of their civil rights or the equal protection of the laws. 

Aimed directly at the KKK

Authorized the president to dispatch officials to the south to supervise elections and prevent voting intereference

Importance:

It effectively backed up and reinforced the 14th Amendment in preventing southern officials from oppressing the newly freed blacks of certain rights. 

Andrew Johnson

17th President 

1865-1869

Democratic and Lincoln's VP.

He opposed reconstruction, former slave's protection - Freedman's Bureau and Civil Rights Act of 1866 - and the 14th Amendment.

He wanted to:

Reform the Union by using his existing powers as Chief executive 

Establish new southern states that were loyal to Union

Grant pardons - state had to swer its loyalty to Union to earn one

He removed his secretary of War - House of Rep wanted him impeached

Was acquitted and remained in office

Importance:

He was the first president to be impeached by the House of Reps, and his term in office revealed that the federal government was no longer a threat to civil liberties