Since almost no blacks had voted in the
Southern states in 1860, his plan did nothing to encourage
extending the franchise to them. However, he did believe that
educated blacks could and should be given the right to vote, but
this extension of the franchise was apparently to be determined
by each state at some future time.
After Lincoln's assassination, Andrew Johnson further accelerated
the pace of reconciliation. Granting personal pardons by
the thousands, he initiated a plan for restoration which was even
more lenient. Southern states resumed home rule, and, in the
Federal election of 1866, they elected scores of Confederate
officials to Congress. At the same time other Confederate
officials were elected to other local posts throughout the South.
One of the most urgent tasks taken up by these new home-rule
governments was the determination and definition of the status of
the ex-slave. State after state passed black codes which bore an
amazing resemblance to those of slavery days. Blacks were not
allowed to testify in court against whites. If they quit their
jobs, they could be imprisoned for breach of contract.
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