'Presidential Reconstruction' is the term given to the first reconstruction efforts led by President Andrew Johnson, in 1865 and 1866.

There were two main policies of Johnson's Presidential Reconstruction.

• ❖ It allowed the Southern states to return to the Union and manage their own affairs, in return for abolishing slavery and paying their war debts.
• ❖ It offered a pardon to southerners, except wealthy plantation owners and Confederate politicians, and the return of their property (excluding slaves).

Most Northerners initially supported Johnson's actions. However, the southern states used their powers to introduce the Black Codes, eroding support for Johnson in the North. Many Republicans wanted more radical policies to bring the southern states into line.