Who succeeded President Lincoln?
After the elimination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, Vice President Andrew Johnson became the successor of the presidency. He was the 17th President of the United States and served from 1865 to 1869.
The presidential transition period
The presidential transition period after Lincoln’s elimination was a time of great uncertainty and turbulence in the country. Johnson, a Southern Democrat, had been chosen as Lincoln’s running mate in the 1864 election to help with the reconstruction of the South. However, his views on reconstruction differed greatly from those of Lincoln and the Republican Party.
The journey to the presidency
Johnson was born in North Carolina in 1808 and was raised in poverty. He became a tailor’s apprentice at the age of 14 and later moved to Tennessee, where he became involved in politics. He served as a senator and governor of Tennessee before being elected as Vice President.
The inauguration of Andrew Johnson
Johnson was inaugurated as President on April 15, 1865, the day after Lincoln’s elimination. His speech was focused on reconciliation and the reconstruction of the country. However, his policies and actions would prove to be controversial and divisive.
The reconstruction era
Johnson’s presidency was marked by the reconstruction era, a period of time during which the country was rebuilding and reuniting after the Civil War. Johnson’s policies were focused on restoring the Southern states to their former status, including allowing former Confederate leaders to regain their political power.
Johnson’s policies and conflicts
Johnson’s policies and actions were met with fierce opposition from the Republican Party, which controlled Congress. His veto of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and his lenient treatment of the South led to a series of conflicts with Congress.
Impeachment of President Johnson
In 1868, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Johnson for violating the Tenure of Office Act, which required congressional approval for the dismissal of federal officials. However, Johnson was acquitted by the Senate by one vote.
Vice President Schuyler Colfax
Johnson’s Vice President was Schuyler Colfax, a Republican from Indiana. Colfax served as Vice President from 1865 to 1869 and was known for his support of Reconstruction and civil rights for African Americans.
Election of 1868
In the election of 1868, Johnson was not nominated by either party. The Republican Party chose Ulysses S. Grant as their candidate, and the Democratic Party chose Horatio Seymour.
Ulysses S. Grant as the new President
Grant won the 1868 election and became the 18th President of the United States. He served from 1869 to 1877 and was known for his efforts to protect civil rights and enforce Reconstruction in the South.
Legacy of Andrew Johnson
Johnson’s presidency is often remembered for his controversial policies and conflicts with Congress. His lenient treatment of the South and veto of civil rights legislation set back the progress of Reconstruction and civil rights for African Americans.
Conclusion: The aftermath of Lincoln’s death
The elimination of President Lincoln sent shockwaves throughout the country and led to a period of great uncertainty and division. Johnson’s presidency was marked by conflict and controversy, but it also represented a pivotal moment in the history of the United States as the country worked to rebuild and reunite after the Civil War.
