What were the goals of Reconstruction in relation to former Confederates?

• A. To remove them from power and provide justice and land to freed people.
• B. To reinstate them to political leadership in the South.
• C. To grant them hold on most federal offices.
• D. To create a dynasty of Confederates in government.

Answer: (A)

Reconstruction aimed to reshape Southern political life after emancipation by breaking the power base of the former Confederacy and protecting the rights of freedpeople. A key element was removing former Confederate leaders from political influence so Southern governments could be rebuilt under new, federally supported arrangements rather than the old slaveholding order. At the same time, the era sought justice for the newly freed, including citizenship and civil rights, and, in some cases, land redistribution to provide economic footing for freedpeople. While land reform was attempted in limited ways, the broader goal was to create a more inclusive political system that diminished Confederate dominance. The idea of restoring Confederates to power, granting them numerous federal offices, or building a Confederate political dynasty would undermine these Reconstruction objectives.