President Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States, serving from 1865 to 1869. Often regarded as one of the least successful Presidents in America’s history, Johnson’s presidency was characterized by a series of controversies and struggles that he faced throughout his administration. Here are some key facts about President Johnson and his presidency.
Early Life
Andrew Johnson was born on December 29, 1808, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was born into poverty and received little formal education. As a teenager, he ran away from home and worked as a tailor’s apprentice. He eventually settled in Tennessee, where he became involved in politics and served as a politician for most of his life.
Political Career
Johnson’s political career began in the Tennessee state legislature, where he served from 1835 to 1843. He then served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1843 to 1853 and from 1857 to 1862, as well as in the U.S. Senate from 1857 to 1862. He was the only member of Congress from a seceding state (Tennessee) who remained loyal to the Union during the Civil War.
Presidency
Johnson became President in 1865 after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. He had a rocky relationship with Congress, which was controlled by the Radical Republicans. The Radicals were determined to punish the South for the Civil War and insisted on a harsh Reconstruction policy that Johnson vehemently opposed.
During his presidency, Johnson vetoed several bills that were designed to help African Americans gain rights and protections. He argued that these bills were unconstitutional and believed that the states, rather than the federal government, should be responsible for regulating civil rights.
Impeachment
Johnson was the first President to be impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1868, he was charged with violating the Tenure of Office Act, which required Senate approval for the removal of federal officials. He had fired Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, who was a vocal opponent of Johnson’s Reconstruction policies.
Although the Senate acquitted Johnson by one vote, his impeachment was significant because it demonstrated the power of Congress to hold the President accountable for his actions.
Legacy
Johnson’s legacy is controversial, with some historians praising him for his efforts to reconcile the nation after the Civil War and others criticizing his resistance to civil rights legislation. His presidency was marked by tension and conflict, and he faced significant pushback from Congress.
Despite his limitations as a leader, Johnson played a critical role in shaping American history during a turbulent time. His presidency revealed the challenges of Reconstruction and the struggles to establish a post-Civil War era in which all Americans could be free and equal