Radical Republicans
Radical Republicans were a faction within the Republican Party during the mid to late 19th century, particularly active during and after the American Civil War. They advocated for strong measures against the Southern states, emphasizing civil rights for freed slaves and the Reconstruction of the South. They sought to secure legal and political equality for African Americans and to limit the power of former Confederates. Key figures included Thaddeus Stevens and Charles Sumner. Their efforts were pivotal in the passage of the 14th and 15th Amendments, which aimed to guarantee citizenship and voting rights for African Americans.
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Radical Republicans were a faction within the U.S. Republican Party during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras, roughly from the 1860s to the 1870s. They advocated for strong measures to enforce the rights of newly freed African Americans and believed in a more rigorous approach to rebuilding the South after the Civil War. Their agenda included the protection of civil rights, granting voting rights to Black men, and punishing former Confederate leaders. Their efforts led to significant constitutional amendments, including the 14th and 15th Amendments, which aimed to ensure equality and protect the rights of all citizens.