Thaddeus Stevens: American Jacobin

Q: Who was Thaddeus Stevens?

Thaddeus Stevens was a leader of the Radical Republicans, who played a major role in US politics during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras.

Q: What is Thaddeus Stevens known for?

Thaddeus Stevens is known for being a fierce antislavery politician in Congress, who helped lead the push for the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments. He also led the Radical Republicans during Reconstruction, and spearheaded the impeachment of Andrew Johnson.

Harrison W. Mark

Definition

Thaddeus Stevens (1792-1868) was a US politician and abolitionist, who rose to prominence in the 1860s during the American Civil War and Reconstruction eras. A leader of the abolitionist wing of the Republican Party - known as the Radical Republicans - Stevens vigorously pushed for an end to slavery, using his forceful personality and scathing oratory to further his egalitarian agenda.

More about: Thaddeus Stevens

Timeline

4 Apr 1792
Thaddeus Stevens, future antislavery politician and leader of the Radical Republicans, is born in Danville, Vermont.
Sep 1816
After passing the bar exam, Thaddeus Stevens sets up a law practice in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Sep 1833
Thaddeus Stevens wins election to the Pennsylvania state legislature, where he champions taxpayer-funded public education and attacks Freemasons.
Dec 1859
Thaddeus Stevens is elected to Congress as a Republican, representing Pennsylvania.
1861
Thaddeus Stevens becomes chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, securing funding for the Union war effort during the American Civil War, and pushing an antislavery agenda.
28 Mar 1864
Thaddeus Stevens introduces the Thirteenth Amendment in Congress to abolish slavery .
13 Dec 1865
Thaddeus Stevens serves as co-chairman of the Joint Committee on Reconstruction.
3 Jan 1867
Thaddeus Stevens introduces the initial iteration of the Reconstruction Acts.
11 Aug 1868
Thaddeus Stevens dies at the age of 76.