Andrew Johnson

Definition

Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States, who served from 1865 to 1869 following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. His presidency is most notable for his impeachment by the House of Representatives, which stemmed from his controversial policies during the Reconstruction era and his violation of the Tenure of Office Act.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Andrew Johnson became president under unusual circumstances, taking office just days after Lincoln's assassination in April 1865.
2. His approach to Reconstruction was lenient towards the South, which led to conflicts with Congress, particularly with Radical Republicans who sought stricter measures.
3. Johnson's impeachment occurred in 1868, making him one of only three U.S. presidents to be impeached, although he was acquitted by the Senate and remained in office.
4. The impeachment was primarily fueled by his violation of the Tenure of Office Act when he attempted to remove Edwin Stanton, the Secretary of War, from his position.
5. Andrew Johnson's presidency is often viewed as a failure due to his inability to unite the country and effectively manage the post-war reconstruction efforts.

Review Questions

• What were the key actions taken by Andrew Johnson during Reconstruction that led to his conflict with Congress?
  • Andrew Johnson's key actions during Reconstruction included his lenient policies towards the Southern states and his quick restoration of their political rights. He allowed former Confederates to regain power without requiring significant reforms or protections for newly freed slaves. This approach angered many in Congress, particularly Radical Republicans who wanted harsher measures to ensure civil rights and punish those who had supported the Confederacy. The tension between his policies and Congressional goals ultimately led to his impeachment.
• Evaluate the significance of the Tenure of Office Act in Andrew Johnson's impeachment process.
  • The Tenure of Office Act was significant in Andrew Johnson's impeachment because it directly challenged presidential authority over appointments. The Act aimed to protect certain officeholders from being removed without Senate approval. When Johnson dismissed Edwin Stanton, a staunch ally of the Radical Republicans, he violated this law. This action was pivotal in providing Congress with grounds for impeachment, highlighting the struggle between executive power and legislative authority during Reconstruction.
• Analyze how Andrew Johnson's presidency impacted the trajectory of Reconstruction and its long-term effects on American society.
  • Andrew Johnson's presidency had a profound impact on Reconstruction and set back progress for civil rights in America. His leniency toward Southern states allowed for the establishment of Black Codes that restricted the freedoms of African Americans, leading to a cycle of disenfranchisement that persisted for decades. The failure to effectively integrate freed slaves into society fostered racial tensions that would erupt into future conflicts. Furthermore, Johnson’s impeachment reflected deep national divisions that would influence political dynamics long after his term ended, shaping future debates on civil rights and federal authority.

Related terms

Reconstruction: The period after the Civil War during which the U.S. aimed to reintegrate the Southern states and ensure rights for newly freed slaves.

Impeachment: The process by which a sitting president can be charged with misconduct and removed from office, requiring approval from both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Tenure of Office Act: A federal law passed in 1867 aimed at limiting the president's power to remove certain officeholders without the Senate's approval, which became central to Johnson's impeachment.