Andrew Johnson: The Man Who Changed American Politics
johnbowe.info – Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, is perhaps most famously remembered for being the first president to face impeachment. A figure whose presidency was defined by turmoil, controversy, and deep division, Johnson’s political career and legacy have been the subject of much debate. His impeachment trial is one of the most significant moments in American history, not only because of its historic nature but also because of its impact on the separation of powers and the balance between the executive and legislative branches of government.
Johnson’s presidency coincided with one of the most critical periods in American history: the aftermath of the Civil War and the beginning of Reconstruction. His policies, especially regarding the reintegration of the Southern states and the rights of freed African Americans, sparked intense political conflict. This conflict culminated in his impeachment—a dramatic and unprecedented event that would leave a lasting imprint on American politics and the way presidents interact with Congress.
In this article, we will explore Andrew Johnson’s early life, his rise to the presidency, his approach to Reconstruction, the circumstances that led to his impeachment, and the broader legacy of his time in office. Johnson’s presidency may have been short and controversial, but it played a key role in shaping the future of the United States.
Early Life and Rise to Political Power
A Humble Beginning
Andrew Johnson’s journey to the White House was shaped by his humble beginnings. Born in 1808 in Raleigh, North Carolina, to a poor family, Johnson had little formal education. His father died when he was young, and he was forced to work as a tailor’s apprentice in order to support himself and his family. His lack of education would later become a point of criticism, as opponents often mocked him as unqualified for high office. Nevertheless, Johnson’s self-taught political skills and strong will would propel him through the ranks of American politics.
As a young man, Johnson moved to Tennessee, where he eventually entered local politics. He became a successful tailor and was elected to several local offices. His political ideology was shaped by his experience growing up in poverty and his disdain for the Southern aristocracy. Although Johnson was a Southerner, he was staunchly opposed to secession and became one of the few Southern politicians to remain loyal to the Union during the Civil War. His loyalty to the Union made him a natural ally for President Abraham Lincoln.
Becoming Vice President
In 1864, as the Civil War raged on, President Lincoln faced the challenge of uniting a nation divided by conflict. In an effort to appeal to the Southern Unionists and demonstrate a spirit of reconciliation, Lincoln selected Andrew Johnson as his running mate in the 1864 election. Johnson, at that time the military governor of Tennessee, was a symbol of Southern Unionism. He had opposed secession and was seen as a staunch advocate for keeping the Southern states in the Union.
Lincoln’s decision to choose Johnson as vice president was strategic. It was believed that Johnson’s background and his loyalty to the Union would help bridge the divide between North and South. The ticket won the 1864 election, but tragically, just months into his second term, President Lincoln was assassinated in April 1865. Johnson, who had been elevated to the vice presidency, now found himself at the helm of a nation in crisis.
Andrew Johnson’s Presidency and Reconstruction
Presidential Reconstruction
Johnson’s ascension to the presidency came at a pivotal moment in American history, following the Civil War’s end. The nation was deeply divided, and the question of how to rebuild the South and re-integrate it into the Union was urgent. President Johnson’s vision for Reconstruction, known as “Presidential Reconstruction,” was based on his belief in leniency and the importance of states’ rights.
Johnson believed that the Southern states had been punished enough by the war, and that they should be allowed to rejoin the Union with minimal restrictions. His plan was centered around pardoning most Southern whites who swore an oath of allegiance to the Union, allowing them to regain their property, and setting the conditions for the re-establishment of their state governments. Johnson’s policies did not insist on any protection of the civil rights of freed African Americans, which would later prove to be a key point of contention.
The Radical Republicans’ Challenge
Johnson’s lenient approach to Reconstruction stood in stark contrast to the more radical faction of Congress known as the Radical Republicans. These Republicans, led by figures such as Thaddeus Stevens and Charles Sumner, believed that the Southern states should be subjected to more stringent conditions for readmission into the Union. They argued that the Confederacy’s defeat should not simply result in a return to the status quo but that it should be used as an opportunity to guarantee civil rights for African Americans and to permanently dismantle the power of the Southern elites.
The Radical Republicans pushed for a number of key reforms, including the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which sought to grant citizenship and equal protection under the law to African Americans. They also advocated for the 14th Amendment, which would grant equal protection and due process to all citizens. Johnson, however, vetoed both of these measures, arguing that they were unconstitutional and represented an overreach of federal power.
The relationship between Johnson and Congress grew increasingly tense, and his vetoes—along with his frequent opposition to the more progressive elements of Reconstruction—further alienated him from lawmakers. In 1867, Congress passed the Reconstruction Act over Johnson’s veto, placing the South under military occupation and requiring the Southern states to guarantee voting rights for African Americans.
The Impeachment Crisis
Growing Tensions
Johnson’s conflict with Congress reached a boiling point in 1867, when he took a controversial step that would ultimately lead to his impeachment. As part of his opposition to the Radical Republicans, Johnson attempted to remove Edwin M. Stanton, his secretary of war, who was an ally of the Radical Republicans and a key advocate for Reconstruction. Johnson’s decision to dismiss Stanton violated the Tenure of Office Act, a law passed by Congress that restricted the president’s ability to remove certain officeholders without Senate approval.
In retaliation, Congress passed a resolution to impeach Johnson. They argued that his violation of the Tenure of Office Act was grounds for removal from office. The articles of impeachment focused on Johnson’s defiance of Congress and his attempts to undermine the Radical Reconstruction policies that had been put in place.
The Impeachment Trial
The impeachment process moved to the Senate, where a trial was held to determine whether Johnson should be removed from office. The trial, which took place in 1868, was one of the most dramatic events in American political history. Johnson’s defense team argued that the impeachment was politically motivated and an attempt by Congress to curb the powers of the presidency.
Ultimately, the Senate voted to acquit Johnson by a single vote—one vote shy of the two-thirds majority required to remove him from office. Although Johnson survived the impeachment, his political career was effectively damaged. The Senate’s acquittal signaled a victory for presidential power, but it also revealed the deep divisions in the country over Reconstruction and the direction of post-war policies.
The Legacy of Andrew Johnson
A Divisive President
Andrew Johnson’s legacy is marked by deep controversy. On one hand, he played a critical role in the preservation of the Union following the Civil War, but his failure to address the issue of African American civil rights and his support for lenient policies toward the South were seen as major shortcomings. Johnson’s vision of Reconstruction, which favored Southern states’ autonomy and did little to guarantee rights for freedmen, laid the groundwork for the racial segregation and discrimination that would dominate the South for many decades to come.
The impeachment trial also left an enduring legacy, as it solidified the precedent that presidents could face impeachment for actions deemed to be in violation of the law or unconstitutional. Although Johnson’s acquittal helped preserve the office of the president, the process set the stage for future political confrontations between the executive and legislative branches.
Reconstruction and Its Aftermath
Johnson’s Reconstruction policies ultimately failed to achieve their intended goals. His leniency toward the South allowed many former Confederates to regain power, and his lack of support for civil rights for African Americans left them vulnerable to oppression. Following Johnson’s presidency, the country would see a rise in the implementation of Jim Crow laws in the South, which would institutionalize racial segregation and disenfranchise African Americans for nearly a century.
In the long term, Johnson’s presidency is seen as a period of missed opportunities. His failure to fully support the Radical Republican agenda left the country deeply divided over the question of race, equality, and justice. The Southern states, despite being reintegrated into the Union, would continue to fight for the preservation of their former way of life, and the fight for racial equality would be delayed for generations.
Conclusion
Andrew Johnson’s presidency was a turbulent and divisive period in American history. His clash with Congress over Reconstruction policies, culminating in his impeachment, altered the trajectory of American politics and set the stage for future confrontations between the executive and legislative branches. While Johnson may have survived impeachment, the legacy of his presidency is one of failure to fully reconcile the nation, particularly in the area of racial justice.
Although Johnson’s actions and policies were highly controversial, his presidency played a critical role in shaping the post-Civil War landscape. His struggles with Congress, his clash with the Radical Republicans, and his policies toward the South made him one of the most consequential and controversial presidents in American history. In many ways, Andrew Johnson’s time in office highlighted the deep political divisions that would continue to shape the United States for generations to come.
