Andrew Johnson (1808-1875) was the 17th President of the United States, who was suddenly thrust into the office in 1865 after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. A gruff Southern Democrat, Johnson favored a quick end to Reconstruction (circa 1863-1877), which pitted him against the Radical Republicans in control of Congress. His opposition to 'Radical Reconstruction' led to his impeachment in 1868, which he survived by a single vote. After leaving the presidency in disgrace on 4 March 1869, he plotted a return to national politics, but died on 31 July 1875 shortly after winning election to the US Senate. He is often ranked as one of the worst US presidents, unequal to the crucial moment of Reconstruction.
More about: Andrew JohnsonDefinition
Timeline
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1808 - 1875Life of Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States.
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1826Andrew Johnson works as a tailor in New Carthage, North Carolina.
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1829Andrew Johnson is elected alderman in Greeneville, Tennessee.
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1835Andrew Johnson is elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives.
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1843Andrew Johnson is elected to the US House of Representatives.
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1852Andrew Johnson loses his seat in the US Congress.
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1856Andrew Johnson is elected to the US Senate.
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Mar 1862President Abraham Lincoln appoints Andrew Johnson military governor of Tennessee.
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1864Andrew Johnson is the running mate of Abraham Lincoln in the election for US president.
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15 Apr 1865President Abraham Lincoln dies after being shot the night before at Ford's Theater by John Wilkes Booth. His Vice President, Andrew Johnson, is sworn in as President of the United States.
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24 Feb 1868The US House of Representatives impeaches President Andrew Johnson, alleging he had violated the Tenure of Office Act. Johnson is acquitted.
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1875Andrew Johnson is elected to the US Senate.
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31 Jul 1875Former US President Andrew Johnson dies of a stroke.
