<P> Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson both took moderate positions designed to bring the South back into the union as quickly as possible , while Radical Republicans in Congress sought stronger measures to upgrade the rights of African Americans , including the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution , while curtailing the rights of former Confederates , such as through the provisions of the Wade -- Davis Bill . Johnson followed a lenient policy toward ex-Confederates . Lincoln 's last speeches show that he was leaning toward supporting the enfranchisement of all freedmen , whereas Johnson was opposed to this . </P>
<P> Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson both took moderate positions designed to bring the South back into the union as quickly as possible , while Radical Republicans in Congress sought stronger measures to upgrade the rights of African Americans , including the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution , while curtailing the rights of former Confederates , such as through the provisions of the Wade -- Davis Bill . Johnson followed a lenient policy toward ex-Confederates . Lincoln 's last speeches show that he was leaning toward supporting the enfranchisement of all freedmen , whereas Johnson was opposed to this . </P>
political party that favored harsh punishment of southern states after civil war
political party that favored harsh punishment of southern states after civil war
Republicans
Republicans