On Christmas Day, United States President Andrew Johnson announced an unconditional pardon for all Confederate veterans who had fought against the Union during the Civil War. This directive was rooted in Johnson’s belief in a quick reconciliation between the Northern states and the Southern states after a devastating conflict. The pardons removed restrictions placed on Confederate veterans, allowing them to reclaim their civil rights and participate in the political life of the nation again. Johnson's approach to Reconstruction favored leniency, reflecting his desire to heal a fractured nation. There was significant opposition, particularly from Radical Republicans in Congress, who believed that more stringent measures were necessary to ensure the rights of freed slaves and to hold former Confederates accountable for their rebellion. Nevertheless, Johnson maintained that the best path forward was through forgiveness and reintegration, fostering a spirit of recovery among the citizens of both the North and South. This action was also seen as a means to bolster his own political standing amidst rising tensions with Congress regarding Reconstruction policies.