To forgive or not to forgive?

The question of whether or not the South should be granted amnesty was a highly controversial one during the time of Reconstruction. On one hand, why should they be forgiven? They rebelled, they fought, they destroyed, they spent money on war, and completely disrespected their country. However, what would be the consequences of not forgiving them? A country completely divided; More war; Less power. Would holding a grudge be worth all the lost oppurtunities? Personally, I believe that giving the South amnesty was the right thing to do, even if it did not serve the most justice. In the end what is important is our country as a whole. The United States. If we lost our unity, what would we have? We have strength in numbers. We're one of the largest countries in the world. If the South had never been forgiven, this would not be the case. In granting amnesty to the South, Lincoln looked past petty grudges and desired revenge and did what was best for our country.