President Andrew Johnson

Definition

Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States, serving from 1865 to 1869 after Abraham Lincoln's assassination. His presidency is primarily noted for his contentious approach to Reconstruction, as he aimed to quickly restore the Southern states to the Union with minimal changes, which led to significant clashes with Congress over civil rights and the future of freed slaves.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Andrew Johnson was a Southern Democrat who became president after Lincoln's assassination and was known for his lenient policies toward the South.
2. His opposition to civil rights for African Americans led to conflict with Congress, particularly with the Radical Republicans who sought more stringent Reconstruction measures.
3. Johnson vetoed key legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which aimed to protect the rights of African Americans, prompting Congress to override his veto.
4. He was impeached by the House of Representatives in 1868 mainly due to his violation of the Tenure of Office Act, although he was acquitted by one vote in the Senate.
5. Johnson's presidency is often seen as a failure in terms of advancing civil rights and reconciliation, setting back progress for African Americans in the post-Civil War era.

Review Questions

• How did President Andrew Johnson's approach to Reconstruction differ from that of Congress?
  • Andrew Johnson's approach to Reconstruction was characterized by leniency toward the Southern states, focusing on quick reintegration without significant changes to their political and social systems. In contrast, Congress, particularly the Radical Republicans, advocated for a more rigorous process that included civil rights protections for freedmen and harsher terms for readmission. This fundamental disagreement led to intense political conflict and ultimately contributed to Johnson's impeachment.
• Discuss the implications of Johnson's vetoes on civil rights legislation during his presidency.
  • Johnson's vetoes of significant civil rights legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and later the Freedmen's Bureau reauthorization, highlighted his resistance to expanding rights for African Americans. These actions prompted Congress to assert its authority by overriding his vetoes, which marked a crucial shift in power dynamics between the presidency and Congress. This conflict laid the groundwork for future legislation aimed at protecting civil rights and reshaping Southern society post-war.
• Evaluate how Andrew Johnson's presidency influenced the long-term trajectory of civil rights in America.
  • Andrew Johnson's presidency had a lasting negative impact on civil rights progress in America by promoting a policy of appeasement toward former Confederates and neglecting the needs and rights of freed slaves. His failure to support key legislation resulted in a backlash that delayed civil rights advancements for decades. Furthermore, his impeachment reflected broader tensions about presidential power versus congressional authority, shaping future political battles over civil rights and governance in the United States. This legacy contributed to systemic inequalities that persisted long after his administration ended.

Related terms

Reconstruction: The period following the Civil War during which the United States sought to reintegrate the Southern states and address the status of newly freed African Americans.

Freedmen's Bureau: A federal agency established in 1865 to assist freed slaves in the South by providing food, housing, education, and legal support.

Tenure of Office Act: A law passed by Congress in 1867 intended to restrict the power of the president to remove certain officeholders without Senate approval, which became a key point in Johnson's impeachment.