Andrew Johnson

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  Andrew Johnson

• 

  Andrew Johnson

• 

  Andrew Johnson

• 

  Andrew Johnson

• 

  Andrew Johnson

• 

  Andrew Johnson

• 

  Andrew Johnson

• 

  Andrew Johnson

• 

  Andrew Johnson

• Andrew Johnson

• 

  Andrew Johnson

• 

  Andrew Johnson

Early Life

Andrew Johnson was born on December 29, 1808, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was the son of Jacob Johnson and Mary McDonough. His father died when Andrew was three years old, leaving the family in poverty. Johnson did not receive formal education and was apprenticed to a tailor at a young age. He taught himself to read and write, and eventually moved to Greeneville, Tennessee, where he established a successful tailoring business.

Political Career

Early Political Involvement

Johnson's political career began in the 1820s when he became involved in local politics. He served as an alderman and then as mayor of Greeneville. His political career advanced as he was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1835. Johnson was a member of the Democratic Party and was known for his populist views.

U.S. House of Representatives

In 1843, Johnson was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served five terms. During his time in Congress, he advocated for policies that favored the working class and opposed the interests of the wealthy elite.

Governor of Tennessee

Johnson was elected as the Governor of Tennessee in 1853 and served two terms. As governor, he focused on education reform and infrastructure improvements.

U.S. Senate

In 1857, Johnson was elected to the United States Senate. He was a strong supporter of the Union and opposed secession, which made him unpopular in the South as tensions rose leading up to the American Civil War.

Vice Presidency and Presidency

Vice Presidency

In 1864, Johnson was selected as the running mate for Abraham Lincoln on the National Union ticket. He became the Vice President of the United States in March 1865.

Presidency

Following Lincoln's assassination on April 14, 1865, Johnson became the 17th President of the United States. His presidency was marked by his approach to Reconstruction following the Civil War. Johnson favored a lenient approach to the Southern states, which led to conflicts with the Radical Republicans in Congress.

Impeachment

Johnson's presidency was tumultuous, culminating in his impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1868. He was charged with violating the Tenure of Office Act by removing Edwin M. Stanton, the Secretary of War, from office. Johnson was acquitted by the Senate by one vote and completed his term in office.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving the presidency, Johnson returned to Tennessee. He attempted to re-enter politics and was elected to the United States Senate in 1875, becoming the only former president to serve in the Senate. Johnson died on July 31, 1875, shortly after taking office.

Johnson's legacy is controversial due to his opposition to civil rights for freed slaves and his lenient policies towards the former Confederate states. His presidency is often ranked poorly by historians.

Related Pages

• Abraham Lincoln
• Reconstruction era of the United States
• Impeachment of Andrew Johnson
• Radical Republicans