7.2 Andrew Johnson and Presidential Reconstruction

Andrew Johnson's approach to Presidential Reconstruction differed significantly from Lincoln's plans. Johnson favored leniency towards the South, offering pardons to ex-Confederates and allowing quick readmission with minimal conditions.

This lenient approach contrasted with Lincoln's emphasis on protecting freedmen's rights. Johnson's policies allowed former Confederate leaders to regain power, implemented Black Codes, and lacked economic support for freed slaves, setting the stage for long-term racial inequalities.

Johnson's Reconstruction Approach vs Lincoln's

Contrasting Policies and Priorities

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• Andrew Johnson's background as a Southern Democrat and former slave owner influenced his lenient Reconstruction policy towards the South
• Johnson's Amnesty Proclamation of 1865 offered pardons to most ex-Confederates and allowed quick Southern readmission with minimal conditions
• Lincoln's plans included provisions for black suffrage and economic assistance to freedmen, while Johnson focused on reconciliation with white Southerners
• Johnson's approach lacked protection for freed slaves, differing from Lincoln's emphasis on gradually extending voting rights to African Americans
• Johnson resisted federal intervention in Southern affairs, vetoing the Freedmen's Bureau Bill and Civil Rights Act of 1866, contrary to Lincoln's more activist approach

Key Differences in Implementation

• Johnson's policies allowed former Confederate leaders to regain political power, with many elected to state and federal offices
• Lincoln's plans emphasized gradual reintegration with more stringent requirements for Southern states' readmission
• Johnson's Reconstruction did not address land redistribution or economic support for freed slaves, leaving many economically dependent
• Lincoln's approach included the creation of the Freedmen's Bureau to provide assistance and education to former slaves
• Johnson's swift readmission of Southern states occurred without significant reforms or protections for African Americans, unlike Lincoln's proposed gradual process

Presidential Reconstruction Under Johnson

Johnson's Proclamation and State Reorganization

• Johnson's "Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction" in May 1865 outlined conditions for Southern states to rejoin the Union (ratifying 13th Amendment)
• Appointment of provisional governors in Southern states allowed rapid reorganization of state governments
• Johnson's plan facilitated quick readmission of Southern states without significant reforms or protections for African Americans
• Reconstruction policies under Johnson did not address land redistribution or economic support for freed slaves
• Implementation of Black Codes in Southern states limited rights and freedoms of African Americans (restricted movement, enforced labor contracts)

Impact on Southern Power Structures

• Johnson's policies allowed former Confederate leaders to regain political power in the South
• Many ex-Confederates were elected to state and federal offices (former Confederate generals in Congress)
• Swift readmission of Southern states occurred without significant reforms or protections for African Americans
• Johnson's approach focused primarily on reconciliation with white Southerners, neglecting the needs of freed slaves
• Lack of economic support and land redistribution hindered freed slaves' ability to achieve independence and equality

Johnson vs Radical Republicans

Legislative Battles and Power Struggles

• Radical Republicans, led by Thaddeus Stevens and Charles Sumner, advocated for a more punitive approach to the South and greater protections for freedmen
• Johnson vetoed the Freedmen's Bureau Bill and Civil Rights Act of 1866, sparking intense opposition from Radical Republicans
• Passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 over Johnson's veto marked a significant shift in power from executive to legislative branch
• Radical Republicans pushed for the 14th Amendment, granting citizenship and equal protection to African Americans, facing strong resistance from Johnson
• Escalating conflict led to passage of Tenure of Office Act and Command of the Army Act, limiting presidential power

Political Maneuvering and Consequences

• Johnson's "Swing Around the Circle" speaking tour in 1866 antagonized Radical Republicans and contributed to Republican midterm election victories
• Radical Republicans' push for more stringent Reconstruction policies clashed with Johnson's lenient approach
• Impeachment and trial of Andrew Johnson in 1868 represented the culmination of power struggle between President and Radical Republicans
• Johnson's resistance to Radical Republican policies led to increased Congressional oversight of Reconstruction efforts
• Conflict between Johnson and Congress resulted in a shift towards Congressional Reconstruction, addressing shortcomings of Presidential approach

Effectiveness of Presidential Reconstruction

Successes and Shortcomings

• Johnson's policies succeeded in rapidly readmitting Southern states to the Union
• Lack of economic support and land redistribution for freed slaves hindered their ability to achieve true independence and equality
• Johnson's lenient approach allowed quick reestablishment of white supremacist power structures in the South (Black Codes, sharecropping system)
• Implementation of Black Codes effectively nullified many freedoms granted by the 13th Amendment
• Johnson's Reconstruction failed to provide adequate protection for Union supporters and freedmen in the South (increased violence, intimidation by groups like Ku Klux Klan)

Long-term Consequences

• Limitations of Presidential Reconstruction led to implementation of Congressional Reconstruction, addressing Johnson's approach shortcomings
• Failure to secure long-term civil rights for African Americans contributed to eventual collapse of Reconstruction efforts
• Johnson's policies set the stage for the rise of Jim Crow laws and racial segregation in the South
• Lack of economic reforms under Presidential Reconstruction perpetuated economic disparities between races
• Johnson's approach to Reconstruction influenced the complex legacy of race relations in the United States for generations to come