Why did leaders disagree about the South rejoining the Union?

Leaders disagreed about the South rejoining the Union primarily due to differing views on how to reintegrate the Southern states and address the issues of slavery and civil rights. Some, like President Abraham Lincoln, advocated for a lenient approach to encourage reconciliation, while others, particularly Radical Republicans, insisted on more stringent measures to ensure civil rights for freed slaves and to prevent former Confederates from regaining power. These conflicting priorities led to a contentious debate over Reconstruction policies and the future of the South within the Union.