7.2 Andrew Johnson and Presidential Reconstruction
4 min read•august 15, 2024
Andrew Johnson's approach to differed significantly from Lincoln's plans. Johnson favored leniency towards the South, offering pardons to ex-Confederates and allowing quick readmission with minimal conditions.
This lenient approach contrasted with Lincoln's emphasis on protecting freedmen's rights. Johnson's policies allowed former Confederate leaders to regain power, implemented , and lacked economic support for freed slaves, setting the stage for long-term racial inequalities.
Johnson's Reconstruction Approach vs Lincoln's
Contrasting Policies and Priorities
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- Andrew Johnson's background as a Southern Democrat and former slave owner influenced his lenient Reconstruction policy towards the South
- Johnson's Amnesty Proclamation of 1865 offered pardons to most ex-Confederates and allowed quick Southern readmission with minimal conditions
- Lincoln's plans included provisions for black suffrage and economic assistance to freedmen, while Johnson focused on reconciliation with white Southerners
- Johnson's approach lacked protection for freed slaves, differing from Lincoln's emphasis on gradually extending voting rights to African Americans
- Johnson resisted federal intervention in Southern affairs, vetoing the Freedmen's Bureau Bill and , contrary to Lincoln's more activist approach
Key Differences in Implementation
- Johnson's policies allowed former Confederate leaders to regain political power, with many elected to state and federal offices
- Lincoln's plans emphasized gradual reintegration with more stringent requirements for Southern states' readmission
- Johnson's Reconstruction did not address land redistribution or economic support for freed slaves, leaving many economically dependent
- Lincoln's approach included the creation of the Freedmen's Bureau to provide assistance and education to former slaves
- Johnson's swift readmission of Southern states occurred without significant reforms or protections for African Americans, unlike Lincoln's proposed gradual process
Presidential Reconstruction Under Johnson
Johnson's Proclamation and State Reorganization
- Johnson's "Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction" in May 1865 outlined conditions for Southern states to rejoin the Union (ratifying )
- Appointment of provisional governors in Southern states allowed rapid reorganization of state governments
- Johnson's plan facilitated quick readmission of Southern states without significant reforms or protections for African Americans
- Reconstruction policies under Johnson did not address land redistribution or economic support for freed slaves
- Implementation of Black Codes in Southern states limited rights and freedoms of African Americans (restricted movement, enforced labor contracts)
Impact on Southern Power Structures
- Johnson's policies allowed former Confederate leaders to regain political power in the South
- Many ex-Confederates were elected to state and federal offices (former Confederate generals in Congress)
- Swift readmission of Southern states occurred without significant reforms or protections for African Americans
- Johnson's approach focused primarily on reconciliation with white Southerners, neglecting the needs of freed slaves
- Lack of economic support and land redistribution hindered freed slaves' ability to achieve independence and equality
Johnson vs Radical Republicans
Legislative Battles and Power Struggles
- , led by and , advocated for a more punitive approach to the South and greater protections for freedmen
- Johnson vetoed the Freedmen's Bureau Bill and Civil Rights Act of 1866, sparking intense opposition from Radical Republicans
- Passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 over Johnson's veto marked a significant shift in power from executive to legislative branch
- Radical Republicans pushed for the 14th Amendment, granting citizenship and equal protection to African Americans, facing strong resistance from Johnson
- Escalating conflict led to passage of Tenure of Office Act and Command of the Army Act, limiting presidential power
Political Maneuvering and Consequences
- Johnson's "Swing Around the Circle" speaking tour in 1866 antagonized Radical Republicans and contributed to Republican midterm election victories
- Radical Republicans' push for more stringent Reconstruction policies clashed with Johnson's lenient approach
- Impeachment and trial of Andrew Johnson in 1868 represented the culmination of power struggle between President and Radical Republicans
- Johnson's resistance to Radical Republican policies led to increased Congressional oversight of Reconstruction efforts
- Conflict between Johnson and Congress resulted in a shift towards Congressional Reconstruction, addressing shortcomings of Presidential approach
Effectiveness of Presidential Reconstruction
Successes and Shortcomings
- Johnson's policies succeeded in rapidly readmitting Southern states to the Union
- Lack of economic support and land redistribution for freed slaves hindered their ability to achieve true independence and equality
- Johnson's lenient approach allowed quick reestablishment of white supremacist power structures in the South (Black Codes, system)
- Implementation of Black Codes effectively nullified many freedoms granted by the 13th Amendment
- Johnson's Reconstruction failed to provide adequate protection for Union supporters and freedmen in the South (increased violence, intimidation by groups like Ku Klux Klan)
Long-term Consequences
- Limitations of Presidential Reconstruction led to implementation of Congressional Reconstruction, addressing Johnson's approach shortcomings
- Failure to secure long-term civil rights for African Americans contributed to eventual collapse of Reconstruction efforts
- Johnson's policies set the stage for the rise of and racial segregation in the South
- Lack of economic reforms under Presidential Reconstruction perpetuated economic disparities between races
- Johnson's approach to Reconstruction influenced the complex legacy of race relations in the United States for generations to come
Key Terms to Review (16)
13th amendment: The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in December 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. This landmark amendment marked a significant shift in American society, legally ending the institution of slavery and laying the groundwork for subsequent civil rights advancements.
Black codes: Black codes were laws passed in the Southern states after the Civil War aimed at restricting the freedom and rights of African Americans. These codes sought to control the labor and behavior of former slaves, ultimately perpetuating a system of racial subordination despite their newly acquired status as free individuals.
Charles Sumner: Charles Sumner was a prominent American politician and abolitionist known for his fierce opposition to slavery and significant role in the Reconstruction era. As a leading member of the Radical Republicans, he advocated for civil rights for freed slaves and pushed for a more stringent approach to Reconstruction policies following the Civil War. His passionate speeches and legislative efforts were crucial in shaping the direction of post-war America.
Civil Rights Act of 1866: The Civil Rights Act of 1866 was landmark legislation that aimed to protect the civil rights of African Americans in the aftermath of the Civil War. It granted citizenship to all persons born in the United States, regardless of race, and provided that all citizens should have equal rights in contracts, lawsuits, and property ownership. This act was a crucial step towards dismantling the systemic racial discrimination prevalent at the time.
Failed reconstruction: Failed reconstruction refers to the inability of the United States to effectively integrate the Southern states back into the Union after the Civil War and to address the needs of newly freed African Americans. This period was marked by political strife, inadequate policies, and social resistance, which ultimately led to a resurgence of white supremacy and the establishment of discriminatory laws that undermined civil rights.
Impeachment of Andrew Johnson: The impeachment of Andrew Johnson was a political process initiated in 1868 when the 17th President of the United States was charged with high crimes and misdemeanors, primarily related to his violation of the Tenure of Office Act. This event was significant in the context of the struggles between presidential authority and congressional power during the Reconstruction era, reflecting deep divisions in the government regarding the direction of Reconstruction policies and the treatment of Southern states.
Jim Crow Laws: Jim Crow Laws were state and local statutes that legalized racial segregation in the United States, primarily in the South, from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century. These laws enforced discriminatory practices against African Americans and created a system of institutionalized racism, deeply impacting various aspects of life including education, public facilities, and voting rights.
Presidential Reconstruction: Presidential Reconstruction refers to the period following the Civil War when President Andrew Johnson attempted to reintegrate the Southern states into the Union. This approach was characterized by lenient policies towards the South, allowing former Confederate states to establish their own governments quickly and with minimal federal intervention. Johnson's vision for Reconstruction focused on reconciliation rather than punishment, which led to significant tensions with Congress and ultimately shaped the political landscape of post-war America.
Race Riots: Race riots refer to violent disturbances that occur between different racial or ethnic groups, often fueled by social tensions, economic competition, or civil rights issues. During the period of Presidential Reconstruction, these riots were symptomatic of the ongoing racial tensions and resistance to the changes brought about by the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved people.
Radical Republicans: The Radical Republicans were a faction within the Republican Party during and after the Civil War, known for their strong opposition to slavery and their commitment to civil rights for freed slaves. They sought to impose strict policies on the Southern states during Reconstruction, aiming to secure political rights and social equality for African Americans, often clashing with more moderate leaders and presidents.
Reconstruction Era: The Reconstruction Era refers to the period following the Civil War, from 1865 to 1877, when the United States grappled with rebuilding the South and integrating formerly enslaved people into society. This time was marked by significant political, social, and economic changes as the nation sought to redefine its identity after the war and address issues like civil rights and governance in the Southern states.
Restoration Plan: The Restoration Plan was a strategy proposed by President Andrew Johnson during the Reconstruction era aimed at reintegrating the Southern states into the Union following the Civil War. This plan sought to rapidly restore the political and social order in the South, emphasizing leniency towards former Confederates and minimizing federal intervention in state affairs. Johnson's approach sparked significant controversy, as it often allowed for the continuation of pre-war social structures and relationships.
Rise of the Ku Klux Klan: The rise of the Ku Klux Klan refers to the formation and expansion of a white supremacist group in the United States, particularly during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War. The Klan sought to undermine the progress made by African Americans and to restore white supremacy through intimidation, violence, and terrorism. This movement was closely tied to the political and social atmosphere of the time, especially during Andrew Johnson's presidency, which emphasized lenient policies towards the South.
Sharecropping: Sharecropping is an agricultural system that emerged in the Southern United States after the Civil War, where landowners allowed tenants to use their land in exchange for a share of the crops produced. This system developed as a way to manage labor and land after emancipation, yet it often trapped African Americans and poor whites in a cycle of debt and poverty.
Southern Democrats: Southern Democrats were members of the Democratic Party who lived in the Southern United States, particularly after the Civil War, and played a crucial role in shaping the region's political landscape during Reconstruction and beyond. They typically supported states' rights, were aligned with white supremacy, and resisted federal intervention in local affairs, often opposing the civil rights of freedmen and maintaining the social hierarchy that favored whites.
Thaddeus Stevens: Thaddeus Stevens was a prominent Radical Republican leader and U.S. Congressman during the Civil War and Reconstruction era, known for his staunch advocacy for civil rights and harsh measures against the South. He played a pivotal role in shaping Reconstruction policies, particularly through the Reconstruction Acts, and fiercely opposed Andrew Johnson's lenient approach towards the Southern states. His efforts aimed at transforming the South's economic structure were also significant in light of the war's economic impact.