During the end of the Civil War, Republicans were divided on the issue of Reconstruction, specifically on the branch of government that should determine Reconstruction policy, leading to contrasting views on reuniting the country and addressing the rights of former slaves.
The main issue that divided Republicans at the end of the Civil War regarding Reconstruction was the debate over which branch of governmentwould determine the Reconstruction policy. Andrew Johnson favored a quick reunion benefiting non-slaveholders, while Congressional Republicans wanted to punish former slaveholders and support Republican rule by encouraging cooperation among different groups. This led to disagreements over the direction of Reconstruction policies and goals.