What principle underlined the Reconstruction efforts initiated by Lincoln and continued by Congress?

The principle underlying the Reconstruction efforts initiated by Lincoln and continued by Congress was the rebuilding of the South while promoting civil rights. After the Civil War, a primary goal of Reconstruction was to restore the Southern states to the Union and address the aftermath of slavery. This involved not just political reintegration but also significant social changes aimed at ensuring that newly freed African Americans had rights and opportunities equal to those of white citizens.

Lincoln’s vision, captured in the Ten Percent Plan, emphasized a lenient approach to reintegrate the Southern states quickly, aiming to foster reconciliation and rebuild the war-torn region. Congress, particularly after Lincoln's assassination, took a more comprehensive approach through various legislation, including the Civil Rights Act and the 14th Amendment, which sought to protect the rights of African Americans and promote their integration into society as full citizens.

While there were other motivations and outcomes during Reconstruction, the central theme remained focused on rebuilding and creating a more equitable society, reflective of the broader goals of civil rights and integration. This distinction highlights the transformative aspirations of Reconstruction, contrasting with ideas centered solely on punishment or segregation.