President Andrew Johnson essays

President Andrew Johnson essays It is said that President Andrew Johnson was one of the worst presidents in American History, being the first of only two presidents to have been impeached by the House of Representatives. But was the impeachment of Andrew Johnson justified? Andrew Johnson was proof that anyone has a chance at making it in life, regardless of your families status or wealth. Born in Raleigh, North Carolina to nearly illiterate parents, Johnsons dad died when he was very young leaving his mother to support him and his brother. At the age of 14 Johnson and his brother were working as apprentices for the local tailor. After moving to Greeneville, Tennessee in 1827 he opened his own tailor shop. (www.impeach-andrewjohnson.com) Johnson became very involved in politics. In 1829 he was elected to his town council, and as mayor in 1831. He spent time on the Tennessee state legislature, until he was elected to congress in 1843. Johnson was elected to the US senate in 1857 to represent Tennessee. (www.impeach-andrewjohnson.com) During the Civil war Johnson did not return to the south, instead he stayed and joined the republicans. In 1862, Lincoln named him the states military governor. Abraham Lincoln chose Johnson as his vice-presidential running mate in the election of 1864. When president Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, Johnson was sworn in as the new president. (www.crf-usa.org) While Johnson was president he came up with a plan to reconstruct the south and readmit them into the Union. During the elections for the new southern government representatives the black freed men were not allowed to vote, Johnson agreed with this saying It would breed a war of races(www.crf-usa.org) In December when the congress met they were outraged that the men who had played large parts in leading the rebellion were once again in the power of the South. Making matters worse the southern governments were making ...