During reconstruction was the presidency weak or strong?

Answer 1

The Presidency was very strong during Reconstruction, although it weakened over the years because of the struggle between the President and congress. During the Civil War Lincoln took many actions which were questionably not legal, but because of the emergencies of war he was able to take. This precedent created a power in the presidency like it never had before. Was it properly used? No - it was wasted and abused by Johnson.

Answer 2

In order for reconstruction to happen you need a good president, a smart one. There are some people saying we have a period going on right now, but I dont think so. It would also usually happen after a major war or crisis (which it has).

After the civil war and WWII history will most likely show that the president that was killed or died left in place some plans that carried forward to enable the new president to at least appear strong. Because these two battles were presented to the US as a means of saving our Great Nation, reconstruction was needed after both. The first to reunite a country with as few scars as possible, and the second to rebuild a great nation in a new and changed world. ( women in the work place, the GI Bill and a shrunken world )