Radical Republican

Definition

Radical Republicans were a faction of the Republican Party during the Reconstruction era who advocated for a more aggressive approach towards rebuilding the South and ensuring civil rights for freed slaves. They believed in punishing former Confederates and granting political rights to African Americans.

Related terms

Abolitionist: A person who actively fought for the immediate emancipation of enslaved people.

Emancipation Proclamation: It was an executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln that declared all slaves in Confederate-held territory free.

Thirteenth Amendment: This amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States.