The "Somebody-Wanted-But-So" chart is an excellent way to summarize important information from history. In it, you identify a person or group of people; their goal, need, or want; what conflict of interest stood in the way; and the outcome. This strategy works great because history depends on the needs, wants, and actions of humans.

Part 1—Complete the following chart by summarizing information from the lesson in your own words. One example appears for you.

Somebody … Wanted … But … So …
President Abraham Lincoln the nation to heal as quickly as possible from the Civil War and planned to reunify the nation quickly he was assassinated in 1865 only days after Robert E. Lee's surrender plans for Reconstruction were taken over by Vice President Andrew Johnson, who became president after Lincoln's death
President Andrew Johnson



Radical Republicans





Southern Democrats



Part 2—Answer the following questions in a complete paragraph of your own words. Your paragraph should contain at least five sentences.

What was the main issue relating to Reconstruction that divided Republicans at the end of the Civil War? If you had been a member of Congress at the time, what actions would you have taken to avoid the conflict over Reconstruction immediately following the Civil War?