Question

What was Lincoln 10 percent plan and what problems did it present?

Answer 1

In 1860 , civil war between southern states and the union of america reached its peak . The then union president Lincoln won decisive battle in 1863 , and proclaimed an amnesty and reconstruction of southern states. Lincoln believed that the South had never legally seceded from the Union, and he was liberal in forgiving the south.

His 10% plan was that if 10% of registered voter of any states vote in favour of joining the union , that state can join the union with a new state constitution that banned slaver. It also provided immunity to people of southern states except confederate leaders.

Problem with this plan was that only 10% was required to agree for loyalty. So new constition might not be respected by majority of people.

Moreover, plan was too mild as it did not punished even those who were main culprit of bloodshed.

Though it banned slavery but there was always a possibility that if south was given equal opportunity in Congress and senate , they might change the constition later.