Which group believed the South should be harshly punished after the Civil War?

The group that believed the South should be harshly punished after the Civil War was the Radical Republicans. This faction emerged during the Reconstruction era and was characterized by its commitment to civil rights and its desire to transform Southern society following the devastation of the Civil War. The Radical Republicans sought to impose strict measures on the Southern states to ensure not only the punishment of Confederate leaders but also the protection of the rights of newly freed African Americans.

They believed that lenient policies towards the South would lead to the restoration of pre-war conditions, which included systemic racism and the subjugation of black citizens. The Radical Republicans played a significant role in the establishment of the Reconstruction Acts, which divided the South into military districts and required states to draft new constitutions guaranteeing black men the right to vote. Their approach aimed to fundamentally change the political and social landscape of the South, establishing a framework for civil rights that would influence future civil rights movements.

In contrast, Moderate Republicans held more conciliatory views towards the South, advocating for a gentler approach to Reconstruction, while Democrats and Peace Democrats were primarily focused on restoring the Union and, in some cases, opposing the measures that Radical Republicans championed. This delineation highlights the Radical Republicans' distinctive position on punitive measures aimed at