What a load of CR*P! The Radical Republicans didn't give a damn about Negroes. It was about POWER. Plain & Simple. They wanted to disenfranchise the Southern Leadership for all time.
You know NS, I have respected you, even when we disagree, but what you are stating is just BULL! Shall I quote you some history on Reconstruction?
I can't speak to their base motivations, but you cannot deny that the Black Codes were enacted, that their sole purpose was to keep the newly freed blacks in a condition as closely resembling slavery as possible - even those blacks who had been free for generations and even those that you claim fought so loyally for the rebellion. And in trying so blatantly to bypass the 13th Amendment they gave the radical republicans all the excuse that they needed to crack down on the southern states.
evasions, lies & SPIN are his JOB.
expect nothing more than that & you won't be disappointed.
free dixie,sw