In contrast to the Congressional Reconstruction plan, what was the focus of President Andrew Johnson's plan? A protecting of the rights of freedmen and freedwomen B readmitting states to the Union as quickly as possible C punishing the Southern states for starting the Civil War D providing economic opportunities for African Americans

C) punishing the Southern states for starting the Civil War

In contrast to the Congressional Reconstruction plan, President Andrew Johnson's approach was primarily focused on readmitting states to the Union as quickly as possible. Johnson, who assumed the presidency after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865, pursued a more lenient and conciliatory approach toward the Southern states that had seceded during the Civil War.

Key elements of Andrew Johnson's plan included:

1. Pardon and Amnesty:

• Johnson offered a general amnesty and pardon to most white Southerners who took an oath of allegiance to the Union. This was part of his effort to quickly restore political and economic normalcy in the South.

2. Restoration of State Governments:

• Johnson encouraged the Southern states to quickly reestablish their state governments and send representatives and senators back to Congress. He believed in a rapid restoration of the Union, with minimal federal intervention.

3. Limited Protection of Freedmen's Rights:

• While Johnson did advocate for some protection of the rights of freedmen, his approach was more lenient compared to the Congressional plan. His policies did not provide sufficient safeguards for the civil and political rights of newly emancipated African Americans.

4. Opposition to Redistribution of Land:

• Johnson opposed the idea of redistributing land from former slaveholders to freedmen, a proposal supported by some in Congress. This stance limited economic opportunities for African Americans who had recently gained their freedom.

In summary, Andrew Johnson's focus was on a swift reintegration of the Southern states into the Union with minimal federal interference. His approach was criticized for being lenient toward former Confederates and inadequate in protecting the rights of freedmen. The more radical Congressional Reconstruction that followed sought to impose stricter conditions on the Southern states, including measures to protect the rights of African Americans and address the social and economic aftermath of slavery.