Andrew Johnson

Definition

Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States, who served from 1865 to 1869 following Abraham Lincoln's assassination. His presidency is primarily associated with the Reconstruction era, during which he attempted to implement his vision of rebuilding the South while facing significant opposition from Congress, particularly regarding civil rights and the integration of formerly enslaved people into society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Andrew Johnson was a Southern Democrat who became president after Lincoln's assassination and faced a divided government with a Republican majority in Congress.
2. His approach to Reconstruction favored leniency towards the South and did not prioritize civil rights for freed slaves, which angered Radical Republicans.
3. Johnson's opposition to Congressional Reconstruction led to a power struggle that culminated in his impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1868.
4. Despite being acquitted by the Senate, Johnson's presidency is often viewed as ineffective due to his inability to unite the country or address the needs of newly freed African Americans.
5. Johnson's legacy is complicated; while he helped pass the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery, his actions during Reconstruction hindered progress on civil rights.

Review Questions

• How did Andrew Johnson's policies impact the course of Reconstruction and relations with Congress?
  • Andrew Johnson's policies significantly impacted Reconstruction by promoting a lenient approach toward the South that prioritized quick reintegration over civil rights. This stance put him at odds with Congress, especially the Radical Republicans, who sought more aggressive measures for ensuring rights for formerly enslaved people. His refusal to support civil rights legislation and protect African Americans created tension and ultimately led to a breakdown in relations between him and Congress.
• Discuss the implications of the Tenure of Office Act on Andrew Johnson's presidency and its role in his impeachment.
  • The Tenure of Office Act was crucial in shaping the conflict between Andrew Johnson and Congress. It aimed to limit Johnson’s power by preventing him from removing certain officeholders without Senate consent. When Johnson violated this act by attempting to remove Edwin Stanton, the Secretary of War, it provided Congress with grounds for impeachment. This act highlighted the struggle between executive authority and legislative oversight during Reconstruction.
• Evaluate how Andrew Johnson's presidency and policies influenced future civil rights movements in America.
  • Andrew Johnson's presidency had long-lasting effects on civil rights movements due to his failure to effectively address racial equality during Reconstruction. His lenient policies allowed Southern states to implement Black Codes that restricted freedoms for African Americans, setting a precedent for systemic discrimination. The shortcomings of Johnson’s administration revealed deep-seated issues within American society, laying groundwork for future civil rights movements as activists would later challenge these injustices in pursuit of true equality.

Related terms

Reconstruction: The period following the Civil War when the Southern states were reorganized and reintegrated into the Union, focusing on rebuilding society and addressing issues of civil rights.

Tenure of Office Act: A law passed by Congress in 1867 that restricted the president's ability to remove certain officeholders without Senate approval, which became a point of contention leading to Johnson's impeachment.

Impeachment: The process by which a sitting president can be charged with misconduct; Andrew Johnson was impeached in 1868, though he was acquitted by one vote in the Senate.