5
QuizMultiple Choice

Radical Reconstruction

Question 5 • 26-27 US History: Reconstruction to Present A - Resh

Why did President Johnson risk violating the Tenure of Office Act to fire his secretary of war?

Answer
A
The secretary refused to enforce the Reconstruction Acts recently passed by Congress.
B
The secretary was too incompetent to oversee the military districts that had been established in the South.
C
The secretary was a strong supporter of Radical Reconstruction, which President Johnson vehemently opposed.
D
The secretary thought the South should face minimal consequences during Reconstruction.

Explanation

Secretary of War Edwin Stanton supported Radical Reconstruction and worked with congressional Republicans to carry out the Reconstruction Acts. President Johnson opposed this approach and wanted more control over Reconstruction, so he tried to remove Stanton despite the Tenure of Office Act. The correct choice is “The secretary was a strong supporter of Radical Reconstruction, which President Johnson vehemently opposed.”

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