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Andrew Johnson Democrat April 15, 1865- March 4,1869 (one term) No V.P

Andrew Jackson was Lincoln's successor to the presidency after Lincoln was assassinated. Andrew Johnson was a "War Democrat" and was loved by moderate Republicans, because of his opposition to aristocratic planters. Johnson as Lincoln's Vice- President was seen as a way to strengthen the ballot for Lincoln. After Lincoln's death Johnson was left with the burden of Reconstruction on his shoulders. America had just completed the Civil War and the nation, especially the South, was in a state of turmoil. Southern cities were left in ruins after the war, railroads were destroyed, and there were many social and political disputes between the North and South. Johnson, after handling the period of reconstruction somewhat appropriately ultimately deserves a D- for his presidency. This is because many of his policies were influenced by Abraham Lincoln, and the period of Reconstruction hadn't ended when he left office. The nation was still in a struggling state when he left office also, which can attribute to his lower grade. He did nothing to hinder the growth and violent actions of the KKK, which arose in his congressional state in the year 1866. Johnson had also been influenced by Lincoln, with the "10 Percent Reconstruction Plan." Also, Johnson's clash with Congress made his presidency highly inefficient.

The goals of Johnson were clearly established during his presidency, although he had never given an inaugural address. Johnson had intended a swift, but smooth Reconstruction. He had, as stated early, proposed Lincoln's "10 Percent Reconstruction Plan." This was a way to quickly admit the Confederate states back into the union, without further developing tension. But, tension was created in congress when Republicans formed the Wade- Davis Bill. Out of their desire to limit the ease of joining back in the Union, the Wade - Davis Bill called for 50 percent of a state's voters to take an oath of allegiance and demanded stronger safegaurds for emancipation. That will would completely contradict Johnson's goals for his presidency. Another goal of Johnson was to politically restore the South. After the war, the South had gained 12 more electoral votes and had gained political strength. The fear of re- enslavement was apparent if the southerners joined with the Democrats in the North. Although, this was a major threat to national security, Johnson still viewed the south's political gain as "His view of the Union being restored." This clearly states that his goal was to fully restore the Union and have a smooth Reconstruction, but he didn't care about the result for years to come.

Johnson had a terrible relationship with congress during his term. they often clashed over many issues. Some of the more notable clashes that occurred were over the bill extending the life of the Freeman's Bureau, the Civil Rights Bill, and the 14th amendment. Johnson on many occasions infuriated Congress with his proposed policies. This included the "10 Percent Reconstruction Plan." But overall, Johnson had vetoed or disagreed with many of the proposed policies by congress. These include the three previously listed policies. The Civil Rights Bill veto by Johnson was overturned by Congress and this was said to have happened plenty of times during his presidency. He was named the "Dead dog of the White House" because of his inability to show his power against Congress during this time. But, there was one thing that congress didn't disagree with during Johnson's presidency. That was acquiring Alaska. That would be a major transaction between Russia and the U.S, which would ultimately strengthen the nation.

A major political action that had a positive outcome on America was the acquisition of Alaska. Alaska had begun our road to Imperialism, which in effect also strengthened national pride. Alaska would become one of the first places that America had acquired land from outside of the mainland. The land had an abundance of resources and declining the offer from the Russian Tsar would anger him. that could lead to the destruction of a good ally during this time period. But, the offer of Alaska seemed to be beneficial, because of its abundance of oil and gas. It would also later serve as a place of residence for many U.S citizens. The action that had the most negative action on the U.S was Johnson's veto of the continuation of the Freedman's Bureau. This is because the Freedman's Bureau would help the overall state of the U.S, by creating more literate and educated individuals. But, Johnson's position against African American rights caused him to end the program. The program would have put many blacks in a decent position, before they were fully released to society. There were many problems that occurred because blacks weren't given the things deemed necessary, such as a basic level of education. This left many African American's ignorant during that time period, which also resulted in many blacks being impoverished and made it harder for many of them to climb the social ladder. Many of them, for generations, were stuck in a position that hindered their advancement. This would happen with any group of enslaved people. They would need the necessities, such as a basic education and a foundation to build off of, before they should be fully released. They were receiving it and advancing, but the overall state of the U.S was at harm, because of Johnson's ideals.

America was slightly better of when Johnson's term ended. than when he began. That was simply because he had gone into office shortly after the Civil War. Since the nation was already in a serious state of turmoil, it was hard to make it even worse. Johnson also did absolutely nothing that affected future generations except for the purchase of Alaska. That seemed to be the only beneficial he did while in office. Almost everything else that was accomplished during this time period should either be partially credited to Lincoln or congress. Congress created many policies which would have an everlasting effect on citizens for years to come. the 14th amendment and the Civil Rights Bill, which was enacted. Those are landmark policies created, but should not be accredited to Johnson in any way. Johnson left a minimal legacy as a president of the U.S.

Overall, the country was in a better state after Johnson's presidency due to the previously stated reasons. Johnson seemed to be just a fill in for Lincoln after his assassination, but didn't seem to be as effective. He was the complete opposite of Lincoln in almost every way it seems. He had no support in Congress, hated African American rights, and was overall less efficient. Johnson did a very minimal job during his presidency and that is one reason why he did not get a chance to serve another term. Johnson's grade of a D- seems to be very appropriate for his actions as president.

Works Cited:

"Andrew Johnson." //The White House//. Web. 07 Apr. 2011. .

"The American Pageant AP US History Notes | APNotes.net." //APNotes.net :: US History Notes, Guides, Practice Tests//. Web. 07 Apr. 2011. .

Trefousse, Hans. "American President: Andrew Johnson." //Miller Center of Public Affairs//. Web. 07 Apr. 2011. .