Alright, let's talk about Andrew Johnson. Honestly, he's one of those presidents most folks vaguely remember from high school history – something about impeachment, right? But what did Andrew Johnson actually do during his time in the White House? And why does it still matter? If you're digging into this, you probably want the real story, not just the textbook bullet points. Maybe you're researching for a project, curious about American history, or just trying to understand how we got here. Stick with me, we're going deep on Johnson's presidency – the good (spoiler: not much), the bad (plenty), and the downright ugly. It's a messy chapter, no doubt, but crucial for understanding Reconstruction and the long shadow of the Civil War. I remember visiting the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site years ago in Tennessee, seeing his humble tailor shop, and thinking how wildly unprepared he seemed for the colossal task ahead. History proved that gut feeling right.

From Tailor to Vice President: How Johnson Got There

So, how does a guy who never went to school a day in his life end up President? It's a wild ride. Johnson was a self-made man, a tailor by trade, deeply proud of his roots (maybe too proud sometimes). He climbed the political ladder in Tennessee – mayor, state legislator, Congressman, Governor, US Senator. He was a Southern Democrat, but here's the kicker: he was the only Southern senator who refused to secede with his state in 1861. That loyalty to the Union caught Lincoln's eye during the 1864 election. Needing a unity ticket to win the war, Lincoln picked Johnson, this pro-Union Southerner, as his running mate. It was a political masterstroke at the time. Nobody, least of all Johnson, expected Lincoln to be assassinated just six weeks into his second term. Suddenly, this man with no formal education, little national experience, and a deep-seated resentment towards the Southern planter class was running the fractured nation. Talk about being thrown in the deep end. What did Andrew Johnson do when faced with this impossible situation? Well, he doubled down on his own beliefs, often clashing spectacularly with almost everyone else in Washington.

The Core of the Matter: What Did Andrew Johnson Do During Reconstruction?

This is where things get intense. Reconstruction was the monumental task of rebuilding the shattered South and integrating millions of newly freed Black people into American society as citizens. Lincoln had favored a relatively lenient approach ("with malice toward none..."), aiming for swift reunion. Radical Republicans in Congress, however, believed the defeated Confederates needed punishment and that freedmen needed robust federal protection for their rights, including voting. Johnson's approach? Frankly, it horrified the Radicals. He essentially picked up Lincoln's leniency and cranked it up to eleven, but with a massive, critical flaw: his deep-seated racism led him to actively oppose rights for Black Americans.

Here's the breakdown of Johnson's key Reconstruction actions:

• Issued Pardons Like Candy: Seriously, he pardoned thousands of former Confederates – high-ranking officers, wealthy planters – incredibly quickly. All they had to do was swear an oath of allegiance. By late 1865, most were pardoned and eligible to hold office again. This meant the very people who had led the rebellion were suddenly back in charge of Southern state governments. It felt like a massive betrayal to Northerners who had sacrificed so much.
• Approved New Southern State Governments: Johnson readily recognized new state governments formed by white Southerners under his lenient plans. These weren't representative bodies working for all citizens; they were dominated by ex-Confederates.
• Vetoed Crucial Civil Rights Legislation: This is where Johnson truly cemented his disastrous legacy. When Congress passed the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1866 (aiming to grant citizenship to freedmen and guarantee equal legal protection), Johnson vetoed it. His reasoning? States' rights and overt racism. He argued it discriminated against whites! Congress overrode his veto – the first major override in U.S. history on such a significant bill. He also vetoed the Freedmen's Bureau extension bills, designed to provide vital aid (food, shelter, legal help) to freed slaves and poor whites. Congress overrode those too. Imagine fighting your own government so hard on basic humanitarian aid.
• Opposed the 14th Amendment: He actively campaigned against ratification of the 14th Amendment, which granted citizenship to anyone born in the U.S. (including freed slaves) and guaranteed "equal protection of the laws." Southern states, taking his cue, initially rejected it en masse.
• "Swing Around the Circle" Disaster: In 1866, trying to rally support for his policies in the midterm elections, Johnson embarked on a national speaking tour. It was a train wreck. He got into shouting matches, made inflammatory remarks, and generally came across as unstable and vindictive. The backlash was huge; voters handed Congress a massive veto-proof majority to the Radical Republicans. It was a colossal self-own. Some historians I've talked to say this tour permanently crippled his ability to govern.

  Reconstruction Under Johnson vs. Congressional Reconstruction

  To grasp why Johnson's actions were so consequential, it's crucial to see how his plan differed wildly from what Congress (specifically the Radical Republicans) wanted and eventually implemented once they gained enough power to override him.

  Johnson's Reconstruction vs. Congressional Reconstruction: A Clash of Visions

  Feature	Johnson's Plan (Presidential Reconstruction)	Congressional (Radical) Reconstruction
  Primary Goal	Rapid restoration of Southern states to the Union with minimal conditions.	Fundamental restructuring of Southern society; protection of freedmen's rights; punishment of Confederate leaders.
  Conditions for Readmission	Repeal secession ordinances; ratify 13th Amendment (abolishing slavery); void Confederate war debts. Swear loyalty oath for pardon.	Ratify 14th Amendment (citizenship, equal protection); draft state constitutions guaranteeing Black male suffrage; disenfranchise former Confederate leaders.
  Treatment of Former Confederates	Mass pardons; allowed to hold office and vote.	Disqualified many high-ranking Confederates from voting and holding office (under 14th Amendment, Section 3).
  Role of Freedmen	No political rights; subject to state "Black Codes".	Granted citizenship (14th Amendment); right to vote (15th Amendment); military protection during registration/voting.
  Federal Oversight	Minimal; states largely left to govern themselves.	Significant; states placed under military districts governed by Union generals until they met requirements.
  Economic Aid	Opposed Freedmen's Bureau; no land redistribution ("40 acres and a mule" revoked).	Supported Freedmen's Bureau; some pushed for land redistribution (largely unsuccessful).
  Underlying Philosophy	States' rights; white supremacy; rapid reconciliation.	National authority; racial equality (in theory); transformation.

  The Impeachment Drama: What Did Andrew Johnson Do to Get Impeached?

  Things got so bad between Johnson and Congress that they tried to kick him out of office. What did Andrew Johnson do to provoke the first presidential impeachment in U.S. history? It centered on the Tenure of Office Act. This law, passed by Congress over Johnson's veto (naturally), required Senate approval for the President to remove certain officials appointed with Senate consent. Congress specifically wanted to protect Edwin Stanton, Lincoln's Secretary of War who sided with the Radicals, from being fired.

  Johnson, believing the law was unconstitutional, decided to test it. He fired Stanton anyway in February 1868. Bang. The House of Representatives voted to impeach him within days, charging him with "high crimes and misdemeanors," primarily for violating the Tenure of Office Act and bringing disgrace upon the office.

  Let's be real: The Tenure of Office Act was partly a trap. Congress knew Johnson hated Stanton and suspected he'd try to fire him. It gave them a concrete, legalistic reason to go after a president they saw as obstructing Reconstruction and endangering the nation. While the violation technically triggered impeachment, the underlying cause was years of bitter conflict over Reconstruction policy.

  The Charges and the Trial

  The House approved eleven articles of impeachment. The trial in the Senate lasted months. It was pure political theater, broadcast nationally. Johnson's defense argued he was testing the law's constitutionality and that firing Stanton was within his presidential powers. The prosecution painted him as a tyrant defying Congress.

  In the end, the Senate vote fell one short of the two-thirds majority needed to convict and remove him from office. Seven Republican senators broke ranks, fearing the precedent of removing a president for essentially political disagreements and the instability it might cause. Johnson stayed, severely weakened.

  Beyond Reconstruction: Other Actions During Johnson's Presidency

  Okay, Reconstruction dominated his term, but what else did Andrew Johnson do? A few things, though overshadowed:

  • Purchase of Alaska (1867): Secretary of State William Seward negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. Though ridiculed at the time as "Seward's Folly," Johnson supported it, and history proved its immense value. It was one of the few bright spots, though Johnson himself didn't drive the deal. I always find it ironic that Johnson, who opposed rights for Black Americans, oversaw the acquisition of a territory that would become incredibly diverse.
  • Policy Towards Native Americans: Johnson generally continued policies of westward expansion and confinement of tribes onto reservations. He supported treaties that often forced unfavorable terms on Native nations.
  • Homestead Act Implementation: Signed into law by Lincoln in 1862, the Homestead Act was actively implemented during Johnson's tenure. It granted 160 acres of public land to settlers who improved it for five years. While successful in encouraging western settlement, it often came at the expense of Native American lands.
  • Foreign Policy: Johnson's administration dealt with various international issues, including tensions with France over Mexico (where Napoleon III had installed Emperor Maximilian) and ongoing diplomatic relations strained by the Civil War. Johnson largely deferred to Secretary Seward.

  The Lasting Impact: What Did Andrew Johnson Do to America?

  Johnson's legacy is overwhelmingly negative among historians. Let's not sugarcoat it. What Andrew Johnson did by blocking meaningful Reconstruction fundamentally shaped the next century of American race relations:

  • Empowered White Supremacy: By restoring ex-Confederates to power quickly and opposing federal protection for freedmen, Johnson enabled the rise of white supremacist regimes in the South. The Black Codes passed under his watch were precursors to Jim Crow laws.
  • Failed Freedmen: His opposition to land redistribution and the Freedmen's Bureau left millions of formerly enslaved people without economic foundation, perpetuating cycles of poverty and dependency (like sharecropping).
  • Weakened the Presidency: His constant clashes with Congress and the impeachment left the presidency weaker relative to the legislative branch for a period.
  • Poisoned Reconciliation: His leniency towards the former rebels, combined with his hostility towards black rights and Radical Republicans, fueled bitterness and resentment that hindered genuine national healing after the war.

  Historians consistently rank Johnson among the worst U.S. presidents. His refusal to adapt, his racism, and his obstructionism during the nation's most fragile moment caused immense, lasting damage. While Congress eventually implemented Radical Reconstruction after overriding his vetoes and bypassing him, Johnson's actions delayed justice and allowed the seeds of segregation and disenfranchisement to take root.

  Your Questions Answered: Andrew Johnson FAQs

  Let's tackle some common questions people ask when trying to understand what Andrew Johnson did:

  What were Andrew Johnson's main accomplishments?

  This is tough. He has few genuine accomplishments credited primarily to him. The lasting ones are mostly negative. Positively, he did: * Oversee the implementation of the Homestead Act, encouraging westward settlement (though Lincoln signed it). * Support the purchase of Alaska (though Seward drove it). * Remain loyal to the Union during secession, which was significant. His primary historical role was as a major obstructionist during Reconstruction.

  Why did Andrew Johnson veto the Civil Rights Act and Freedmen's Bureau bills?

  His stated reasons centered on states' rights – he believed regulating civil rights and providing aid wasn't a federal power but belonged to the states. His core reasoning, however, stemmed from his deeply held racist beliefs. He didn't believe Black people deserved or were capable of exercising equal rights. He saw such legislation as unfairly favoring freedmen over whites and punishing the South excessively. He genuinely thought white Southerners were the best guides for the future of Black people in the South, conveniently ignoring centuries of brutal enslavement.

  Was Andrew Johnson a Democrat or a Republican?

  Andrew Johnson was a lifelong Democrat. Lincoln, a Republican, chose him as a "Union" running mate in 1864 under the temporary "National Union Party" banner to appeal to War Democrats and Southern Unionists during the Civil War. Once president, Johnson aligned himself firmly with conservative Democrats and opposed the Republican-controlled Congress, especially the Radical Republicans. His presidency marked a significant shift back towards the Democratic Party.

  What happened to Andrew Johnson after his presidency?

  Johnson returned to Tennessee. He remained politically active but failed in several comeback attempts for Senate and the House. In a twist of fate, he was finally elected to the U.S. Senate by the Tennessee legislature in 1875, becoming the only former president to serve in the Senate. He served only a few months before dying of a stroke later that year. He reportedly felt vindicated by the return to office.

  Why is Andrew Johnson considered one of the worst presidents?

  Historians judge him harshly because: * His Racism Shaped Policy: He actively opposed equal rights for Black Americans, vetoing crucial protections. * He Obstructed Reconstruction: His leniency allowed former Confederates to regain power and enact oppressive laws (Black Codes). * He Caused Constitutional Crises: His constant battles with Congress culminated in impeachment, weakening the presidency and national unity. * He Failed the Moment: The nation needed visionary leadership to heal and build a just society after the Civil War; Johnson offered obstruction and regression. His actions directly enabled the rise of Jim Crow.

  Understanding Johnson Through Key Legislation

  Looking at the laws he fought against or implemented helps clarify what Andrew Johnson did and stood for:

  Major Legislation & Andrew Johnson: Support or Opposition?

  Legislation	Year	Purpose	Johnson's Action	Outcome	Impact
  13th Amendment	1865 (Ratified)	Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude	Supported ratification as President (though passed under Lincoln)	Ratified Dec 1865	Formal end of legal slavery in US
  Freedmen's Bureau Bill (1st Extension)	1866	Extended agency providing aid to freedmen and refugees; established courts for freedmen	Vetoed (Feb 1866)	Veto Overridden by Congress (July 1866)	Agency continued vital work; showed Congressional power
  Civil Rights Act of 1866	1866	Declared all persons born in US citizens; granted equal rights under law (except voting)	Vetoed (March 1866)	Veto Overridden by Congress (April 1866)	First major civil rights law; basis for 14th Amendment
  Reconstruction Acts	1867	Divided South into military districts; required new constitutions with Black suffrage	Vetoed (Multiple Acts)	Vetoes Overridden by Congress	Implemented Radical Reconstruction; enfranchised Black men
  Tenure of Office Act	1867	Required Senate consent to remove officials appointed with Senate consent	Vetoed	Veto Overridden; Later repealed/declared partly unconstitutional	Trigger for Johnson's impeachment
  14th Amendment	1868 (Ratified)	Granted citizenship & equal protection; addressed Confederate officeholders; defined apportionment	Strongly Opposed; urged Southern states to reject it	Ratified (July 1868) despite Johnson	Bedrock of civil rights; defined citizenship
  Alaska Purchase Treaty	1867	Acquired Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million	Signed/Supported	Ratified by Senate (1867)	Added vast territory/resources to US

  Johnson in His Own Words and Others'

  Sometimes, quotes shed light on what someone truly thought. Here's what Johnson said, and what others said about him:

  "This is a country for white men, and by God, as long as I am President, it shall be a government for white men."
  - Andrew Johnson (Reported statement to Governor of Missouri, 1866). This bluntly reveals his core belief driving opposition to Black rights.
  "Johnson acted as though the main object of all his measures was the restoration of his old associates of the slave-driving class to power."
  - Charles Sumner (Radical Republican Senator, fierce critic of Johnson). Sumner saw Johnson's motives as fundamentally about restoring the old, racist Southern elite.
  "Sir, the bloody and untilled fields of the ten unreconstructed States, the unsheeted ghosts of the two thousand murdered negroes in Texas, cry... for the punishment of Andrew Johnson."
  - Rep. William D. Kelley (during impeachment trial). Shows the depth of Northern anger at Johnson's failure to protect freedmen from violence (like the Memphis/New Orleans massacres of 1866).

  Walking in Johnson's Shoes: Why Did He Do It?

  Trying to understand Johnson's perspective (without excusing his actions) involves looking at his background:

  • Deep-Rooted Racism: Like most white Southerners of his era, he believed in white supremacy. He saw Black people as inferior.
  • Class Resentment: He hated the wealthy Southern planter aristocracy who had dominated the pre-war South and led the secession. His leniency was partly aimed at poor whites, not the elites (though it backfired as elites regained power).
  • Strict Constructionism: He genuinely believed the Constitution strictly limited federal power over states, especially on issues like voting rights and civil rights.
  • Personality: Stubborn, defiant, thin-skinned, and combative. He saw compromise as weakness. This made clashes with Congress inevitable and destructive.
  • Lincoln's Shadow: Some argue he was trying to fulfill what he believed was Lincoln's lenient vision, taking it to an extreme Lincoln might not have.

  Was he just tragically out of step with the moment? Perhaps. But his refusal to evolve or heed counsel, coupled with his racist convictions, turned a difficult situation into a national calamity.

  The Verdict of History: Ranking Johnson's Actions

  So, what's the final scorecard on what Andrew Johnson did? Historians are usually pretty blunt. He consistently ranks near the bottom in scholarly polls (see presidential rankings), often in the "failure" or "worst" categories. Why?

  Policy Failures: * Reconstruction: Catastrophic failure. Hindered justice, enabled white supremacy. * Civil Rights: Actively opposed landmark legislation. * Relations with Congress: Abysmal, leading to impeachment.
  Leadership Failures: * Vision: Offered no positive path forward for racial equality or genuine national healing. * Judgment: Consistently poor (e.g., "Swing Around the Circle"). * Character: Stubborn, racist, prone to rage and pettiness. * Crisis Management: Failed the nation's greatest constitutional and social crisis since its founding.

  A few historians try for a more nuanced view, arguing he championed poor whites or strict constitutionalism. But these arguments struggle against the overwhelming consequences of his racism and obstruction on the central issue of his time: securing freedom and rights for Black Americans.

  Ultimately, understanding what Andrew Johnson did is crucial because it shows how quickly hard-won progress can be undermined. His presidency serves as a stark warning about the dangers of weak leadership, unchecked racism, and the failure to seize pivotal moments for justice. When you look at the long struggle for civil rights that followed, much of it traces back to the opportunities squandered during those critical years immediately after the Civil War, years dominated by Johnson's disastrous policies.