Question

Which answer best describes Congresss role in Reconstruction?

Answer 1

Congress rejected the idea of Reconstruction, thinking the Southern states should be responsible for their own rebuilding efforts.

Congress felt the U.S. Army should occupy the Southern states to maintain order and ensure former slaves were treated fairly.

Congress supported the idea that the Southern states should be readmitted to the United States and allowed to govern themselves.

Congress believed that the Southern states should be punished for starting the Civil War and only be allowed to govern themselves after paying large fines.

Answer 2

My guess is B. At least, that is what did happen. I agree with D too, the first part. The Radical Republicans in Congress wanted the erstwhile Confederate States punished. But I don't recall the paying of large fines. A is definitely wrong: Congress embraced Reconstruction; it was Lincoln who wanted to "let 'em up easy." Lincoln would agree with C. I'm not sure Congress would have.