What was the northern view on reconstruction?

The reconstruction, sometimes referred to as the Reconstruction Period, was a space of roughly five years following the American Civil War during which the reconstruction of the Union took place. This was accomplished through the use of legislative power, and military might via the Military Reconstruction Act of 1867. Considering it was predominantly the white Northerners pushing the Act, the overall view of reconstruction was favorable. However, a large majority of Southern whites despised the idea, and resented the action. In spite of this, the newly freed slaves comprised an equally large portion of the Southern populous, and it was due in part to their pleas for citizenship that the reconstruction even took place. Thus, it could be said that the South itself was divided on the issue.