To forgive and forget is one way to do things and I personally think when it came to forgiving the South after the Civil War, that was the best way to go. Many people in the union were upset when it came to granting them amnesty because rather than viewing them as part of their country they thought of them as the enemy. But what made them so different from the North? Just because someone has opposing views does that mean it is right to punish them forever?
It is necessary to put yourself in the position of a confederate to realize how they felt. The country was ready to change how you lived, how you made your money and all when they had no right to. They had to fight for the right to maintain their standard of living. Just because the North didn't approve of their ways they were going to have to change. So isn't it the American thing to stand up for what you believe in? Fighting then ensued. So it is only proper to grant them amnesty when they were fighting for something they depended on at the time. Not to just wouldn't seem human
In the end, granting amnesty and doing it fast was the best way to go. Doing it that way seemed one the more peaceful option and two the right option. Just think not only did thousands of Union soldiers die but so did Confederates. They had families at home too, looking out for the best interest of his family. Doing what he found right, and fighting for it. I mean just think, what if the Union lost? Would amnesty then look more appealing?
