39th United States Congress

39th United States Congress
Brady-Handy Photograph Collection (Library of Congress) · Public domain · source
Number	39th
Term	March 4, 1865 – March 4, 1867
Type	Bicameral
Legislative body	United States Congress

39th United States Congress

The 39th United States Congress was a pivotal moment in American history, marked by the conclusion of the American Civil War and the beginning of the Reconstruction era. This Congress played a crucial role in shaping the nation's future, particularly with regards to civil rights and the Reconstruction Amendments. The 39th Congress was notable for its efforts to rebuild the nation and ensure the rights of formerly enslaved individuals.

Major legislation and actions

The 39th Congress was responsible for passing several landmark pieces of legislation. One of the most significant was the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which granted citizenship to all persons born in the United States, including former slaves. This act was a major milestone in the struggle for civil rights and paved the way for the Reconstruction Amendments, including the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution. The Congress also passed the Reconstruction Acts, a series of four acts that divided the South into five military districts and required each state to create a new government that included participation from formerly enslaved individuals.

Leadership and political composition

The 39th Congress was dominated by Republicans, who held a significant majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Thaddeus Stevens, a radical Republican, served as the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, while Charles Sumner, a prominent abolitionist, chaired the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. The President during this Congress was Andrew Johnson, who had taken office after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

Key events and session chronology

The 39th Congress convened on March 4, 1865, and adjourned on March 4, 1867. During its two-year term, the Congress held several key sessions, including a special session in February 1866 to consider the Civil Rights Act of 1866. The Congress also witnessed several notable events, including the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson in February 1868, which would be tried by the Senate in 1868.

Civil rights and Reconstruction measures

The 39th Congress was instrumental in passing several civil rights and Reconstruction measures. In addition to the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Reconstruction Acts, the Congress also passed the Freedmen's Bureau Act, which established the Freedmen's Bureau to provide assistance to formerly enslaved individuals. The Congress also considered several proposals for voting rights for African Americans, including the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which would be ratified in 1870.

Membership and electoral context

The 39th Congress consisted of 54 Senators and 242 Representatives. The Republican Party held a significant majority in both chambers, with 36 Senators and 186 Representatives. The Democratic Party held 18 Senate seats and 56 House seats. Several notable figures served in this Congress, including Ulysses S. Grant, who would later become President of the United States, and Hiram Revels, the first African American to serve in the United States Senate.

Committee structure and appointments

The 39th Congress had several key committees, including the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Thaddeus Stevens served as chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, while Charles Sumner chaired the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. The Congress also established several special committees, including a committee to investigate allegations of violence against African Americans in the South.

Category:United States Congress