President Andrew Johnson's approach

Definition

President Andrew Johnson's approach refers to his lenient policies toward the Southern states during Reconstruction following the Civil War. He aimed to restore the Union swiftly, often at the expense of civil rights for freed African Americans, which ultimately led to significant conflicts with Congress and a failure to effectively rebuild the South.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Johnson favored quick restoration of the Southern states with minimal requirements, including only loyalty oaths from Southern leaders.
2. He issued many pardons to former Confederates, allowing them to regain their political power, which alienated many Republicans.
3. His approach undermined efforts to secure rights for African Americans, as he opposed legislation aimed at protecting their civil rights.
4. Johnson's presidency saw the rise of violent groups like the Ku Klux Klan, which flourished under his lenient policies toward the South.
5. The clash between Johnson and Congress over Reconstruction policies culminated in his impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1868.

Review Questions

• How did Andrew Johnson's approach to Reconstruction differ from that of Congressional Republicans?
  • Andrew Johnson's approach was much more lenient compared to Congressional Republicans who sought strict measures to ensure civil rights for freedmen and prevent former Confederates from regaining power. Johnson's quick restoration policy allowed Southern states to rejoin the Union without significant protections for African Americans, while Republicans pushed for more radical reforms through laws like the Freedmen's Bureau Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1866. This fundamental disagreement over how to handle Reconstruction led to significant political conflict and instability.
• Evaluate the consequences of Johnson’s lenient policies on African Americans during Reconstruction.
  • Johnson's lenient policies had dire consequences for African Americans as they failed to secure their rights and freedoms. By allowing Southern states to implement Black Codes, which restricted their rights and subjected them to discrimination, Johnson effectively undermined any progress made during the Civil War. This lack of federal protection led to widespread violence and disenfranchisement, making it difficult for African Americans to achieve equality or stability in post-war America.
• Assess how Andrew Johnson’s impeachment reflected broader tensions in American society during Reconstruction.
  • Andrew Johnson’s impeachment was a reflection of the deep divisions within American society during Reconstruction, particularly between those advocating for civil rights and those wishing to quickly restore pre-war order. The impeachment was primarily driven by Johnson’s violation of the Tenure of Office Act and his resistance to Congress’s attempts at implementing a more robust Reconstruction policy. This event illustrated the conflict between presidential authority and congressional power, as well as the ongoing struggle over race relations in a nation grappling with its identity after the Civil War.

Related terms

Reconstruction:

The period following the Civil War when the United States sought to reintegrate Southern states and address the status of freed slaves.

Black Codes:

Laws enacted in Southern states after the Civil War that restricted the rights and freedoms of African Americans.

Impeachment: The process by which a sitting president can be removed from office, which Johnson faced due to his clashes with Congress over Reconstruction policies.