Both Presidents Lincoln and Johnson favored a lenient approach to reconstruction. It was their belief that the nation could be best served by leaving the brutality of the Civil War behind quickly.
Johnson enacted Lincoln’s Reconstruction Act.
Radical Republicans, led by Thadeaus Stevens, argued that the South should be punished for starting the Civil War. Eventually, the dispute would lead to an attempt to impeach and remove President Johnson. Although the official reason for the impeachment of Johnson was his violation of the Tenure of Office Act, the underlying reason was Congress’ disagreement with Johnson over Reconstruction. Although Johnson was impeached by the House, the Senate fell just short of convicting and removing him.
Yeah, Lincoln almost certainly would have pursued a lenient approach.
Maybe Southerners shouldn’t have blown his brains out, eh?