Radical Republican Control of Reconstruction

The Radicals won a sufficient number of congressional seats in the midterm elections to override presidential vetoes.

The Radicals refused to allow members of other political parties to enter the legislative chambers to vote.

Following President Lincoln's assassination, the chain of command transferred the power to direct legislation to Congress.

The president unofficially resigned and permitted the Radicals to direct Reconstruction.

They used intimidation tactics to ensure that voters only elected Radical candidates.