Andrew Johnson

Definition

Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States, who served from 1865 to 1869. He took office after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and played a controversial role during the Reconstruction era, particularly in how he managed the reintegration of Southern states, including Texas, back into the Union.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Andrew Johnson was a Southern Democrat who became president after Lincoln's assassination, which significantly influenced his approach to Reconstruction.
2. Johnson's lenient policies toward the South aimed at quickly restoring their former political leaders, which led to tensions with Congress.
3. His administration saw the implementation of Black Codes in many Southern states, including Texas, which restricted the freedoms of newly freed slaves.
4. Johnson was impeached by the House of Representatives mainly due to his violation of the Tenure of Office Act but was acquitted by just one vote in the Senate.
5. His presidency is often criticized for failing to protect the rights of African Americans during Reconstruction and allowing Southern states to implement oppressive laws.

Review Questions

• How did Andrew Johnson's policies during Reconstruction impact Texas and its reintegration into the Union?
  • Andrew Johnson's policies were notably lenient toward Southern states, including Texas, allowing former Confederates to regain political power quickly. This approach facilitated the re-establishment of pre-war leadership and resulted in the implementation of restrictive Black Codes aimed at controlling the newly freed African American population. Consequently, Johnson's actions contributed to a cycle of oppression and conflict in Texas during Reconstruction, hindering progress toward equality.
• Evaluate Andrew Johnson's relationship with Congress during his presidency and how it influenced Reconstruction efforts.
  • Andrew Johnson's relationship with Congress was fraught with tension, primarily due to his opposition to more radical Reconstruction measures favored by Congressional leaders. His lenient approach angered many Republicans who sought stronger protections for African Americans and stricter terms for Southern states' reintegration. This discord ultimately culminated in his impeachment, showcasing how his conflicts with Congress significantly impacted the direction and effectiveness of Reconstruction efforts across the South.
• Assess the long-term consequences of Andrew Johnson's presidency on race relations in Texas after the Civil War.
  • The long-term consequences of Andrew Johnson's presidency on race relations in Texas were profound and lasting. His leniency towards former Confederate leaders allowed discriminatory practices like Black Codes to take root, fundamentally shaping societal norms that favored white supremacy. As a result, systemic racism persisted for generations, leading to social and economic disparities that continue to affect African Americans in Texas today. This legacy underscores how Johnson's policies not only shaped immediate post-war conditions but also set a precedent for future racial injustices.

Related terms

Reconstruction: The period following the Civil War during which the United States aimed to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved individuals into society.

Black Codes: Laws enacted in Southern states during Reconstruction that restricted the rights of African Americans and aimed to maintain white supremacy.

Impeachment: The process by which a sitting president can be charged with misconduct and potentially removed from office; Andrew Johnson was impeached in 1868 but acquitted.