Question

What were the issues that divided republicans during the early reconstruction era

Answer 1

1) how badly (or if at all) the South should be "punished" for the Civil War, and 2) what rights should be extended to the newly freed slaves.

Answer 2

The two main issues that divided republicans during the early reconstruction era were 1) how badly (or if at all) the South should be "punished" for the Civil War, and 2) what rights should be extended to the newly freed slaves.