What was one of Lincoln's goals for reconstruction?

One of Lincoln's primary goals for Reconstruction was to restore the Union rapidly and with minimal punishment for the Southern states. Following the Civil War, Lincoln believed that reintegrating the Southern states back into the Union quickly was crucial for healing the nation. His approach focused on reconciliation rather than retribution, which is evident in his Ten Percent Plan. This plan proposed that a Southern state could be readmitted into the Union once 10% of its voters swore an oath of allegiance to the Union.

Lincoln's vision emphasized a lenient approach, aiming to reduce the animosity between the North and South and facilitate a smoother reintegration process. He sought to avoid making the South feel humiliated or further alienated, believing that a punitive approach would only breed resentment and undermine the long-term goal of national unity. This contrasts starkly with the ideas of some Radical Republicans, who favored harsher measures and more extensive reforms in the South. Lincoln’s strategy was grounded in his pragmatic belief that a united nation was essential for the prosperity and stability of the United States.