Presidency of Andrew Johnson

Presidency of Andrew Johnson began on April 15, 1865, after the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre. As the 17th President of the United States, Johnson faced significant challenges, including the Reconstruction Era and the Radical Republicans in Congress, led by Thaddeus Stevens and Charles Sumner. Johnson's presidency was marked by his Veto of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Reconstruction Acts, which were overridden by Congress with the support of Schuyler Colfax and Henry Winter Davis. Johnson's relationship with Congress was further strained by his appointment of Joseph Holt as Judge Advocate General and his support for the Freedmen's Bureau.

Early Presidency

The early presidency of Andrew Johnson was marked by his attempts to implement the Reconstruction policies of his predecessor, Abraham Lincoln, with the support of William Seward and Salmon P. Chase. However, Johnson's views on Reconstruction soon diverged from those of Congress, leading to a series of conflicts, including the Veto of the Freedmen's Bureau Bill and the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which were championed by Lyman Trumbull and Benjamin Wade. Johnson's appointment of Edwin Stanton as Secretary of War and his support for the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution were seen as attempts to appease Congress, but ultimately failed to alleviate tensions, particularly with Radical Republicans like George Julian and James Ashley. The National Union Convention of 1866, attended by John Sherman and James Blaine, further highlighted the divisions between Johnson and Congress.

Reconstruction Policies

Johnson's Reconstruction policies were centered around his Proclamation of Amnesty and his support for the Black Codes, which were seen as attempts to restrict the rights of African Americans in the Southern United States, particularly in states like Mississippi and South Carolina. The Reconstruction Acts, passed by Congress in 1867 and 1868, were designed to override Johnson's Veto and ensure the Reconstruction of the South along more radical lines, with the support of Oliver O. Howard and John Schofield. Johnson's opposition to these acts, including his Veto of the Reconstruction Act of 1867, was seen as a major factor in his Impeachment by the House of Representatives, led by Thaddeus Stevens and John Bingham. The Command of the Army Act and the Tenure of Office Act, passed by Congress in 1867, were designed to limit Johnson's power and ensure the Reconstruction of the South.

Impeachment and Trial

The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson by the House of Representatives in February 1868 was a major milestone in his presidency, with Thaddeus Stevens and John Bingham playing key roles in the Impeachment process. The Trial of Andrew Johnson in the Senate, presided over by Salmon P. Chase, was a dramatic and closely watched event, with William Evarts and Benjamin Butler serving as prosecutors. Johnson's acquittal by a single vote, with the support of Edmund G. Ross and Joseph Fowler, marked a significant turning point in his presidency, but ultimately failed to alleviate tensions with Congress, particularly with Radical Republicans like George Boutwell and James Wilson. The Impeachment and trial of Johnson had significant implications for the Separation of powers in the United States, particularly with regards to the relationship between the Executive branch and the Legislative branch.

Foreign Policy

Johnson's Foreign policy was marked by his support for the Alaska Purchase from Russia, negotiated by William Seward and Eduard de Stoeckl. The Treaty of Washington (1871), signed by Johnson's successor, Ulysses S. Grant, was a major milestone in United States-Canada relations, particularly with regards to the Alabama Claims. Johnson's support for the Mexican-American War and the French intervention in Mexico was seen as an attempt to assert United States influence in the region, particularly with regards to the Monroe Doctrine. The Clayton-Bulwer Treaty and the Gadsden Purchase were also significant events during Johnson's presidency, particularly with regards to the United States-Mexico border.

Election of 1868 and Later Life

The 1868 United States presidential election marked the end of Johnson's presidency, with Ulysses S. Grant emerging as the winner, supported by Schuyler Colfax and Henry Wilson. Johnson's later life was marked by his return to Tennessee and his election to the United States Senate in 1875, where he served alongside James A. Garfield and Roscoe Conkling. Johnson's death on July 31, 1875, marked the end of an era in United States politics, particularly with regards to the Reconstruction Era and the Radical Republicans. The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site and the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery are testaments to Johnson's legacy, particularly with regards to his role in United States history, alongside other notable figures like Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee. Category:Presidencies of the United States