History of Andrew Johnson

Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, is a figure whose political career was marked by its humble beginnings, tumultuous presidency, and lasting impact on the nation's history. Born on December 29, 1808, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Johnson's early life was marked by poverty. He grew up in a family with little means, and his father died when he was just three years old, leaving his mother to fend for the family. Despite this challenging start, Johnson's rise from a tailor's apprentice to the highest political office in the United States is a testament to his tenacity and ambition, though his legacy remains a subject of intense debate and criticism.

Johnson's political career began in Tennessee, where he moved at a young age and worked as a tailor. He entered politics in the 1820s, first holding the position of alderman in Greeneville, Tennessee, and later advancing to become the town’s mayor. Johnson's political journey was marked by his populist stance and alignment with the Democratic Party, influenced by Andrew Jackson's policies. This connection to the common man propelled him to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1835. His platform was largely focused on representing the interests of working-class white Americans, advocating for policies that he believed would provide equal opportunities for them.

In 1843, Johnson was elected to the United States House of Representatives where he served until 1853. During this period, he was known for his advocacy of the Homestead Act, which aimed to provide affordable land to settlers, reflecting his commitment to expanding opportunities for the common man. After serving in the House, Johnson's political career advanced further when he became the Governor of Tennessee from 1853 to 1857.

Following his time as governor, Johnson continued his ascent by being elected to the United States Senate in 1857. It was during this time that the nation's politics were becoming increasingly strained over the issue of slavery. Johnson, a Southern Democrat, was a staunch Unionist who opposed secession. This position earned him a unique place in history as the only Southern senator to remain loyal to the Union during the Civil War, boosting his reputation as a man of principle to some, and as a traitor to the Southern cause to others.

In 1862, amidst the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Johnson as the military governor of Tennessee. His task was to restore federal authority in the state, a role that tested his political and administrative abilities. Johnson's loyalty to the Union did not go unnoticed, and in 1864, Lincoln selected him as his vice-presidential running mate for his second term. This partnership was strategic; it was meant to demonstrate national unity by combining a Northern Republican and a Southern Democrat on the same ticket during the war.

Tragedy struck on April 15, 1865, when President Lincoln was assassinated, thrusting Andrew Johnson into the presidency. Johnson assumed office at a time of national crisis, facing the Herculean task of reunifying a fractured nation. However, his approach to Reconstruction—his most defining and controversial policy—severely hampered his presidency and legacy.

Johnson advocated for a lenient Reconstruction policy, favoring quick restoration of the Southern states without safeguards to protect the newly freed African Americans. He offered amnesty to former Confederates who pledged loyalty to the Union, and opposed the 14th Amendment, which granted citizenship and equal protection under the laws to former slaves. Johnson's Reconstruction approach alienated him from the Radical Republicans in Congress, who sought stricter measures and protections for freedmen. This clash led to one of the most contentious periods in American political history.

The tension between Johnson and Congress culminated in his impeachment in 1868. The House of Representatives charged him with violating the Tenure of Office Act, primarily due to his attempt to remove Edwin M. Stanton, a Radical Republican, from his position as Secretary of War. Although Johnson narrowly escaped removal from office by the Senate, his political influence was irreparably damaged. He served the remainder of his term in relative isolation, with his policies often overridden by Congress.

After his presidency, Johnson returned to Tennessee, where he made several attempts at political office, signaling his persistent desire to remain influential in public affairs. In 1875, he achieved a political comeback by being elected to the United States Senate, becoming the only former U.S. president to do so. However, his return to Washington was short-lived, as he died on July 31, 1875, after serving only five months in the Senate.

Andrew Johnson's political career and presidency are often viewed through the lens of the post-Civil War era's tumult and transformation. His steadfast Unionism amidst a secessionist backdrop is overshadowed by his failures during Reconstruction, which many historians argue contributed to the prolonged racial and social strife in America. Johnson's complex legacy as a politician reveals the challenges and contradictions of a nation seeking to redefine itself after its most devastating conflict.