Andrew Johnson

Definition

Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States, serving from 1865 to 1869 after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. His presidency is notable for his efforts to implement a lenient Reconstruction policy aimed at quickly restoring the Southern states after the Civil War, which led to significant political conflict and challenges in his relations with Congress.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Andrew Johnson was a Southern Democrat who became president after Lincoln's assassination, making him the first president from Tennessee.
2. Johnson's approach to Reconstruction involved pardoning many former Confederates and allowing them to regain political power, which angered many in Congress.
3. His vetoes of key Reconstruction legislation, including civil rights protections for African Americans, led to a significant clash with Congress and the Radical Republicans.
4. Johnson was impeached by the House of Representatives mainly due to his violation of the Tenure of Office Act, but he was acquitted by one vote in the Senate.
5. His presidency ultimately failed to achieve lasting peace or integration in the South, leading to increased racial tensions and conflict in the years following his term.

Review Questions

• How did Andrew Johnson's policies during Reconstruction differ from those of the Radical Republicans?
  • Andrew Johnson's policies during Reconstruction were marked by leniency towards the South, as he focused on quickly restoring former Confederate states without enforcing strict protections for freed slaves. In contrast, the Radical Republicans advocated for a more stringent approach that included civil rights for African Americans and stronger federal oversight in Southern states. This fundamental disagreement created significant political conflict between Johnson and Congress.
• Evaluate the impact of Andrew Johnson's impeachment on his presidency and its historical significance.
  • Andrew Johnson's impeachment had a profound impact on his presidency as it highlighted the intense political divisions of the time and set a precedent for future presidential impeachments. Although he was acquitted, this episode weakened his authority and further alienated him from Congress. Historically, it underscored the challenges of Reconstruction and raised important questions about executive power versus congressional authority.
• Analyze how Andrew Johnson's presidency contributed to shaping post-Civil War America, particularly regarding race relations and political dynamics.
  • Andrew Johnson's presidency significantly shaped post-Civil War America by promoting a lenient Reconstruction that allowed many former Confederates to regain political power. This approach hindered progress towards racial equality and civil rights for freed slaves, leading to an environment where Jim Crow laws could flourish. The political dynamics established during his term, characterized by conflict between the executive branch and Congress, also set the stage for future struggles over race relations and governance in a rapidly changing America.

Related terms

Reconstruction: The period following the Civil War during which the Southern states were reorganized and reintegrated into the Union, focusing on rebuilding the South and integrating freed slaves into society.

Impeachment: The process by which a sitting president can be charged with misconduct and potentially removed from office; Andrew Johnson was the first U.S. president to be impeached in 1868.

Radical Republicans: A faction within the Republican Party during the Reconstruction era that advocated for strict measures against Southern states and strong protections for freed slaves.