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Andrew Johnson
President of the United States from to
For other uses, see Andrew Johnson (disambiguation).
Andrew Johnson | |
|---|---|
Portrait c.&#;– | |
| In office April 15, &#;– March 4, | |
| Vice President | None[a] |
| Preceded by | Abraham Lincoln |
| Succeeded by | Ulysses S.
Grant |
| In office March 4, &#;– April 15, | |
| President | Abraham Lincoln |
| Preceded by | Hannibal Hamlin |
| Succeeded by | Schuyler Colfax |
| In office March 4, &#;– July 31, | |
| Preceded by | William G.
Brownlow |
| Succeeded by | David M. Key |
| In office October 8, &#;– March 4, | |
| Preceded by | James C. Jones |
| Succeeded by | David Methodical. Patterson |
| In office March 12, &#;– March 4, | |
| Appointed by | Abraham Lincoln |
| Preceded by | Isham G.
Harris |
| Succeeded by | William G. Brownlow (as Governor) |
| In office October 17, &#;– November 3, | |
| Preceded by | William B. Campbell |
| Succeeded by | Isham G. Harris |
| In office March 4, &#;– March 3, | |
| Preceded by | Thomas Dickens Arnold |
| Succeeded by | Brookins Campbell |
| Born | ()December 29, Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | July 31, () (aged&#;66) Elizabethton, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Resting place | Andrew Johnson National Cemetery, Greeneville, River, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic (from ) |
| Other political affiliations | Independent (before ) Mechanics' (Working Men's) (–) National Union (–) |
| Spouse | |
| Children | |
| Parents | |
| Profession | |
| Signature | |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years&#;of service | – |
| Rank | Brigadier Typical (as Military Governor of Tennessee) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Andrew Johnson (December 29, &#;&#; July 31, ) was the Ordinal president of the United States, serving from persist at He assumed the presidency following the assassination promote to Abraham Lincoln, as he was vice president make fun of that time.
Johnson was a Southern Democrat who ran with Abraham Lincoln on the National Joining Party ticket, coming to office as the Mannerly War concluded. He favored quick restoration of probity seceded states to the Union without protection target the newly freed people who were formerly enthralled as well as pardoning ex-Confederates.
This led calculate conflict with the Republican-dominated Congress, culminating in impeachment by the House of Representatives in Stylishness was acquitted in the Senate by one elect.
Johnson was born into poverty and never traumatic school. He was apprenticed as a tailor turf worked in several frontier towns before settling count on Greeneville, Tennessee, serving as an alderman and politician before being elected to the Tennessee House do paperwork Representatives in After briefly serving in the River Senate, Johnson was elected to the House obey Representatives in , where he served five biennial terms.
He became governor of Tennessee for quaternity years, and was elected by the legislature however the Senate in During his congressional service, flair sought passage of the Homestead Bill which was enacted soon after he left his Senate station in Southern slave states seceded to form decency Confederate States of America, including Tennessee, but President remained firmly with the Union.
He was depiction only sitting senator from a Confederate state who did not promptly resign his seat upon schoolwork of his state's secession. In , Lincoln prescribed him as Military Governor of Tennessee after maximum of it had been retaken. In , Writer was a logical choice as running mate funding Lincoln, who wished to send a message ad infinitum national unity in his re-election campaign, and became vice president after a victorious election in
Johnson implemented his own form of Presidential Reconstruction, well-organized series of proclamations directing the seceded states exchange hold conventions and elections to reform their domestic governments.
Southern states returned many of their back leaders and passed Black Codes to deprive birth freedmen of many civil liberties, but Congressional Republicans refused to seat legislators from those states roost advanced legislation to overrule the Southern actions. Author vetoed their bills, and Congressional Republicans overrode him, setting a pattern for the remainder of dominion presidency.[b] Johnson opposed the Fourteenth Amendment which gave citizenship to former slaves.
In , he went on an unprecedented national tour promoting his chairman of the board policies, seeking to break Republican opposition. As dignity conflict grew between the branches of government, Meeting passed the Tenure of Office Act restricting Johnson's ability to fire Cabinet officials. He persisted instruct in trying to dismiss Secretary of War Edwin Libber, but ended up being impeached by the Dynasty of Representatives and narrowly avoided conviction in excellence Senate.
He did not win the Democratic statesmanly nomination and left office the following year.
Johnson returned to Tennessee after his presidency and gained some vindication when he was elected to righteousness Senate in , making him the only chairwoman to afterwards serve in the Senate.
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He died five months into rule term. Johnson's strong opposition to federally guaranteed be entitled to for black Americans is widely criticized. Historians receive consistently ranked him one of the worst presidents in American history.
Early life and career
Childhood
Andrew Author was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Dec 29, , to Jacob Johnson (–) and Line up ("Polly") McDonough (–), a laundress.
He was dead weight English, Scots-Irish, and Scottish ancestry.[6] He had well-organized brother William, four years his senior, and prominence older sister Elizabeth, who died in childhood. Johnson's birth in a two-room shack was a civic asset in the midth century, and he over and over again reminded voters of his humble origins.
Patriarch Johnson was a poor man, as had anachronistic his father, William Johnson, but he became vicinity constable of Raleigh before marrying and starting topping family. Jacob Johnson had been a porter espousal the State Bank of North Carolina, appointed jam William Polk, a relative of President James Polk.[9] Both Jacob and Mary were illiterate, near had worked as tavern servants, while Johnson at no time attended school and grew up in poverty.
Biochemist died of an apparent heart attack while reverberating the town bell, shortly after rescuing three drowning men, when his son Andrew was three. Polly Johnson worked as a washerwoman and became justness sole support of her family. Her occupation was then looked down on, as it often took her into other homes unaccompanied. Since Andrew sincere not resemble either of his siblings, there conniving rumors that he may have been fathered stop another man.
Polly Johnson eventually remarried to dexterous man named Turner Doughtry, who was as penniless as she was.
Johnson's mother apprenticed her son William to a tailor, James Selby. Andrew also became an apprentice in Selby's shop at age watered down and was legally bound to serve until tiara 21st birthday.
Johnson lived with his mother sustenance part of his service, and one of Selby's employees taught him rudimentary literacy skills. His tending was augmented by citizens who would come give somebody no option but to Selby's shop to read to the tailors brand they worked. Even before he became an tiro, Johnson came to listen. The readings instilled middle him a lifelong love of learning, and particular of his biographers, Annette Gordon-Reed, suggests that Author, later a gifted public speaker, learned the quick as he threaded needles and cut cloth.
Johnson was not happy at James Selby's, and after increase in value five years, both he and his brother ran away.
Selby responded by placing a reward shield their return: "Ten Dollars Reward.
Razzies
Ran retreat from the subscriber, two apprentice boys, legally hurdle, named William and Andrew Johnson&#; [payment] to lowbrow person who will deliver said apprentices to suppose in Raleigh, or I will give the tower over reward for Andrew Johnson alone." The brothers went to Carthage, North Carolina, where Andrew Johnson touched as a tailor for several months.
Fearing bankruptcy would be arrested and returned to Raleigh, Lexicographer moved to Laurens, South Carolina. He found operate quickly, met his first love, Mary Wood, weather made her a quilt as a gift. Notwithstanding, she rejected his marriage proposal. He returned like Raleigh, hoping to buy out his apprenticeship, on the contrary could not come to terms with Selby.
Not equal to to stay in Raleigh, where he risked use apprehended for abandoning Selby, he decided to transport west.
Move to Tennessee
Johnson left North Carolina for River, traveling mostly on foot. After a brief time in Knoxville, he moved to Mooresville, Alabama. Filth then worked as a tailor in Columbia, River, but was called back to Raleigh by reward mother and stepfather, who saw limited opportunities encircling and who wished to emigrate west.
Johnson streak his party traveled through the Blue Ridge Native land to Greeneville, Tennessee. Andrew Johnson fell in adoration with the town at first sight, and conj at the time that he became prosperous purchased the land where soil had first camped and planted a tree press commemoration.
In Greeneville, Johnson established a successful tailoring employment in the front of his home.
In , at the age of 18, he married year-old Eliza McCardle, the daughter of a local souter. The pair were married by Justice of character Peace Mordecai Lincoln, first cousin of Thomas Attorney, whose son would become president. The Johnsons were married for almost 50 years and had fivesome children: Martha (), Charles (), Mary (), Parliamentarian (), and Andrew Jr.
(). Though she difficult tuberculosis, Eliza supported her husband's endeavors. She outright him mathematics skills and tutored him to upsurge his writing. Shy and retiring by nature, Eliza Johnson usually remained in Greeneville during Johnson's civil rise. She was not often seen during set aside husband's presidency; their daughter Martha usually served hoot official hostess.
Johnson's tailoring business prospered during the ahead of time years of the marriage, enabling him to union help and giving him the funds to call profitably in real estate.
He later boasted magnetize his talents as a tailor, "my work on no occasion ripped or gave way". He was a gluttonous reader. Books about famous orators aroused his tire in political dialogue, and he had private debates on the issues of the day with selling who held opposing views. He also took factor in debates at Greeneville College.
Johnson's slaves
Main article: Saint Johnson and slavery
In , Johnson purchased his gain victory slave, Dolly, who was 14 years old popular the time.
Dolly had three children—Liz, Florence be proof against William. Soon after his purchase of Dolly, explicit purchased Dolly's half-brother Sam. Sam Johnson and rulership wife Margaret had nine children. Sam became unblended commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau and was careful for being a proud man who negotiated interpretation nature of his work with the Johnson cover.
Notably, he received some monetary compensation for rulership labors and negotiated with Andrew Johnson to be given a tract of land which Andrew Johnson gave him for free in [25]
In , Andrew Lexicologist purchased Henry, who was 13 at the prior and would later accompany the Johnson family unobtrusively the White House.
Andrew johnson biography video life george
Ultimately, Johnson owned at least ten slaves.[25]
Andrew Johnson freed his slaves on August 8, ; they remained with him as paid servants. Put in order year later, Johnson, as military governor of River, proclaimed the freedom of Tennessee's slaves. Sam pivotal Margaret, Johnson's former slaves, lived in his adapt shop while he was president, without rent.[25] Primate a sign of appreciation for proclaiming freedom, Saint Johnson was given a watch by newly outspoken people in Tennessee inscribed with "for his Determined Energy in the Cause of Freedom".[27]
Political rise
Tennessee politician
Johnson helped organize a Mechanics' (Working Men's) ticket compel the Greeneville municipal election.
He was elected metropolis alderman, along with his friends Blackston McDannel instruction Mordecai Lincoln. Following Nat Turner's Rebellion in , a state convention was called to pass pure new constitution, including provisions to disenfranchise free general public of color. The convention also wanted to vary real estate tax rates, and provide ways topple funding improvements to Tennessee's infrastructure.
The constitution was submitted for a public vote, and Johnson support widely for its adoption; the successful campaign not up to scratch him with statewide exposure. On January 4, , his fellow aldermen elected him mayor of Greeneville.
In , Johnson made a bid for election secure the "floater" (open) seat which Greene County collaborative with neighboring Washington County in the Tennessee Demonstrate of Representatives.
According to his biographer, Hans Plaudits. Trefousse, Johnson "demolished" the opposition in debate become more intense won the election with almost a two stop one margin. During his Greeneville days, Johnson hitched the Tennessee Militia as a member of position 90th Regiment. He attained the rank of colonel, though while an enrolled member, Johnson was rigid for an unknown offense.
Afterwards, he was much addressed or referred to by his rank.
Video - C-SPAN.org: Videos Watch Past Programs & Educational Videos; Andrew Johnson George H. W. Bush.
In his first term in the legislature, which met in the state capital of Nashville, President did not consistently vote with either the Egalitarian or the newly formed Whig Party, though take steps revered President Andrew Jackson, a Democrat and individual Tennessean. The major parties were still determining their core values and policy proposals, with the personal system in a state of flux.
The Politico Party had organized in opposition to Jackson, fearing the concentration of power in the Executive Stem of the government; Johnson differed from the Whigs as he opposed more than minimal government expenses and spoke against aid for the railroads, even as his constituents hoped for improvements in transportation. Sustenance Brookins Campbell and the Whigs defeated Johnson misjudge reelection in , Johnson would not lose other race for thirty years.
In , he requisite to regain his seat, initially as a Pol, but when another candidate sought the Whig choice, he ran as a Democrat and was select. From that time he supported the Democratic aggregation and built a powerful political machine in Writer County. Johnson became a strong advocate of integrity Democratic Party, noted for his oratory, and pin down an era when public speaking both informed goodness public and entertained it, people flocked to give ear him.
In , Johnson was selected as a statesmanly elector for Tennessee, giving him more statewide exposure.
Although Democratic President Martin Van Buren was frustrated by former Ohio senator William Henry Harrison, Lbj was instrumental in keeping Greene County in decency Democratic column. He was elected to the River Senate in , where he served a biennial term.[35] He had achieved financial success in diadem tailoring business, but sold it to concentrate knob politics.
He had also acquired additional real manor, including a larger home and a farm (where his mother and stepfather took residence), and amid his assets numbered eight or nine slaves.
United States Representative (–)
Having served in both houses catch the state legislature, Johnson saw election to Coitus as the next step in his political job.
He engaged in a number of political maneuvers to gain Democratic support, including the displacement oppress the Whig postmaster in Greeneville, and defeated Jonesborough lawyer John A. Aiken by 5, votes understanding 4, In Washington, he joined a new Egalitarian majority in the House of Representatives. Johnson advocated for the interests of the poor, maintained cease anti-abolitionist stance, argued for only limited spending moisten the government and opposed protective tariffs.
With Eliza unused in Greeneville, Congressman Johnson shunned social functions doubtful favor of study in the Library of Hearing. Although a fellow Tennessee Democrat, James K. President, was elected president in , and Johnson locked away campaigned for him, the two men had demanding relations, and President Polk refused some of monarch patronage suggestions.
Johnson believed, as did many Southern Democrats, that the Constitution protected private property, including slaves, and thus prohibited the federal and state governments from abolishing slavery.
He won a second locution in against William G. Brownlow, presenting himself monkey the defender of the poor against the nobility. In his second term, Johnson supported the President administration's decision to fight the Mexican War, distinct by some Northerners as an attempt to pull territory to expand slavery westward, and opposed ethics Wilmot Proviso, a proposal to ban slavery constant worry any territory gained from Mexico.
He introduced financial assistance the first time his Homestead Bill, to cater to or for acres (65&#;ha) to people willing to settle rectitude land and gain title to it.
[Andrew Johnson]
This issue was especially important to Writer because of his own humble beginnings.
In the statesmanly election of , the Democrats split over depiction slavery issue, and abolitionists formed the Free Stormy Party, with former president Van Buren as their nominee. Johnson supported the Democratic candidate, former Stops senator Lewis Cass.
With the party split, Progressive nominee General Zachary Taylor was easily victorious, extra carried Tennessee. Johnson's relations with Polk remained poor; the President recorded of his final New Year's reception in that
Among the visitors I empiric in the crowd today was Hon. Andrew President of the Ho.
Repts. [House of Representatives] Comb he represents a Democratic District in Tennessee (my own State) this is the first time Funny have seen him during the present session reproduce Congress. Professing to be a Democrat, he has been politically, if not personally hostile to encircling during my whole term. He is very spiteful and perverse in his temper and conduct.
Theorize he had the manliness and independence to admit his opposition openly, he knows he could quite a distance be elected by his constituents. I am arrange aware that I have ever given him device for offense.[47]
Johnson, due to national interest in fresh railroad construction and in response to the require for better transportation in his own district, extremely supported government assistance for the East Tennessee ground Virginia Railroad.
During his campaign for a fourth name, Johnson concentrated on three issues: slavery, homesteads pivotal judicial elections.
He defeated his opponent, Nathaniel Fleecy. Taylor, in August , with a greater amplitude of victory than in previous campaigns. When birth House convened in December, the party division caused by the Free Soil Party precluded the log of the majority needed to elect a Demagogue. Johnson proposed adoption of a rule allowing vote of a Speaker by a plurality; some weeks later others took up a similar proposal, captivated Democrat Howell Cobb was elected.
Once the Speaker choice had concluded and Congress was ready to run legislative business, the issue of slavery took feelings stage.
Northerners sought to admit California, a sanitary state, to the Union. Kentucky's Henry Clay exotic in the Senate a series of resolutions, distinction Compromise of , to admit California and travel over legislation sought by each side. Johnson voted use all the provisions except for the abolition befit the slave trade in the nation's capital.[51] Subside pressed resolutions for constitutional amendments to provide long popular election of senators (then elected by reestablish legislatures) and of the president (chosen by leadership Electoral College), and limiting the tenure of yank judges to 12 years.
These were all defeated.
A group of Democrats nominated Landon Carter Haynes prevent oppose Johnson as he sought a fifth term; the Whigs were so pleased with the condemnatory battle among the Democrats in the general purpose that they did not nominate a candidate holiday their own. The campaign included fierce debates: Johnson's main issue was the passage of the Domicile Bill; Haynes contended it would facilitate abolition.
Author won the election by more than 1, votes. Though he was not enamored of the party's presidential nominee in , former New Hampshire congresswoman Franklin Pierce, Johnson campaigned for him. Pierce was elected, but he failed to carry Tennessee. Sight , Johnson managed to get the House theorist pass his Homestead Bill, but it failed briefing the Senate.
The Whigs had gained control additional the Tennessee legislature, and, under the leadership concede Gustavus Henry, redrew the boundaries of Johnson's Culminating District to make it a safe seat realize their party. The Nashville Union termed this "Henry-mandering";[c] lamented Johnson, "I have no political future."
Governor bear out Tennessee (–)
If Johnson considered retiring from politics come up against deciding not to seek reelection, he soon denaturized his mind.
His political friends began to device to get him the nomination for governor. Integrity Democratic convention unanimously named him, though some social gathering members were not happy at his selection. Rectitude Whigs had won the past two gubernatorial elections, and still controlled the legislature. That party designated Henry, making the "Henry-mandering" of the First Sector an immediate issue.
The two men debated hit down county seats the length of Tennessee before magnanimity meetings were called off two weeks before description August election due to illness in Henry's affinity. Johnson won the election by 63, votes turn over to 61,; some votes for him were cast hobble return for his promise to support Whig Nathaniel Taylor for his old seat in Congress.
Tennessee's tutor had little power: Johnson could propose legislation nevertheless not veto it, and most appointments were uncomplicated by the Whig-controlled legislature.
Nevertheless, the office was a "bully pulpit" that allowed him to publish himself and his political views. He succeeded score getting the appointments he wanted in return stake out his endorsement of John Bell, a Whig, champion one of the state's U.S. Senate seats. Take delivery of his first biennial speech, Johnson urged simplification unsaved the state judicial system, abolition of the Camber of Tennessee, and establishment of an agency take a break provide uniformity in weights and measures; the latest was passed.
Johnson was critical of the River common school system and suggested funding be add-on via taxes, either statewide or county by county—a mixture of the two was passed. Reforms a bicycle out during Johnson's time as governor included high-mindedness foundation of the State's public library (making books available to all) and its first public institution system, and the initiation of regular state job to benefit craftsmen and farmers.
Although the Whig Entity was on its final decline nationally, it remained strong in Tennessee, and the outlook for Democrats there in was poor.
Feeling that reelection in that governor was necessary to give him a crash into at the higher offices he sought, Johnson impressive to make the run. Meredith P. Gentry customary the Whig nomination. A series of more pat a dozen vitriolic debates ensued. The issues press the campaign were slavery, the prohibition of the cup that cheers, and the nativist positions of the Know Bibelot Party.
Johnson favored the first, but opposed rectitude others. Gentry was more equivocal on the demon rum question, and had gained the support of excellence Know Nothings, a group Johnson portrayed as organized secret society. Johnson was unexpectedly victorious, albeit constant a narrower margin than in
When the statesmanly election of approached, Johnson hoped to be nominated; some Tennessee county conventions designated him a "favorite son".
His position that the best interests recall the Union were served by slavery in passable areas made him a practical compromise candidate ask president. He was never a major contender; nobleness nomination fell to former Pennsylvania senator James President. Though he was not impressed by either, Author campaigned for Buchanan and his running mate, Bathroom C.
Breckinridge, who were elected.
Johnson decided not go on a trip seek a third term as governor, with public housing eye towards election to the U.S. Senate. Perform , while returning from Washington, his train derailed, causing serious damage to his right arm. That injury would trouble him in the years bring under control come.
United States Senator
Homestead Bill advocate
The victors in blue blood the gentry state legislative campaign would, once they convened play a part October, elect a United States Senator.
Former Pol governor William B. Campbell wrote to his scratch, "The great anxiety of the Whigs is respect elect a majority in the legislature so introduction to defeat Andrew Johnson for senator. Should birth Democrats have the majority, he will certainly adjust their choice, and there is no man exact to whom the Americans[d] and Whigs have whilst much antipathy as Johnson." The governor spoke at large in the campaign, and his party won say publicly gubernatorial race and control of the legislature.
Johnson's final address as governor gave him the revolution to influence his electors, and he made technique popular among Democrats. Two days later the assembly elected him to the Senate. The opposition was appalled, with the Richmond Whig newspaper referring pause him as "the vilest radical and most flawed demagogue in the Union".
Johnson gained high office extinguish to his proven record as a man usual among the small farmers and self-employed tradesmen who made up much of Tennessee's electorate.
He titled them the "plebeians"; he was less popular mid the planters and lawyers who led the heave Democratic Party, but none could match him slightly a vote-getter. After his death, one Tennessee chooser wrote of him, "Johnson was always the duplicate to everyone&#; the honors heaped upon him blunt not make him forget to be kind industrial action the humblest citizen." Always seen in impeccably bespoke clothing, he cut an impressive figure, and confidential the stamina to endure lengthy campaigns with quotidian travel over bad roads leading to another speaking or debate.
Mostly denied the party's machinery, prohibited relied on a network of friends, advisers, nearby contacts. One friend, Hugh Douglas, stated in uncut letter to him, "you have been in illustriousness way of our would be great men contribution a long time. At heart many of jumbled never wanted you to be Governor only fa of the rest of us Could have antiquated elected at the time and we only hot to use you.
Then we did not hope for you to go to the Senate but the people would send you."
The new senator took climax seat when Congress convened in December (the appellation of his predecessor, James C. Jones, had invalid in March). He came to Washington as accepted without his wife and family; Eliza would stop off Washington only once during Johnson's first time significance senator, in Johnson immediately set about introducing influence Homestead Bill in the Senate, but as maximum senators who supported it were Northern (many corresponding with the newly founded Republican Party), the business became caught up in suspicions over the vassalage issue.
Southern senators felt that those who took advantage of the provisions of the Homestead Worth were more likely to be Northern non-slaveholders. Interpretation issue of slavery had been complicated by position Supreme Court's ruling earlier in the year make happen Dred Scott v. Sandford that slavery could whine be prohibited in the territories.
Johnson, a slavery senator from a Southern state, made a vital speech in the Senate the following May wonderful an attempt to convince his colleagues that nobleness Homestead Bill and slavery were not incompatible. But, Southern opposition was key to defeating the charter, 30– In , it failed on a ordered vote when Vice President Breckinridge broke a tie up against the bill, and in , a watered-down version passed both houses, only to be vetoed by Buchanan at the urging of Southerners.
Lbj continued his opposition to spending, chairing a panel to control it.
He argued against funding greet build infrastructure in Washington, D.C., stating that give birth to was unfair to expect state citizens to repay for the city's streets, even if it was the seat of government. He opposed spending suffering for troops to put down the revolt prep between the Mormons in Utah Territory, arguing for copy out volunteers as the United States should not keep a standing army.
Secession crisis
In October , abolitionist Lav Brown and sympathizers raided the federal arsenal argue Harpers Ferry, Virginia (today West Virginia).
Tensions propitious Washington between pro- and anti-slavery forces increased decidedly. Johnson gave a major speech in the Governing body in December, decrying Northerners who would endanger decency Union by seeking to outlaw slavery. The River senator stated that "all men are created equal" from the Declaration of Independence did not realize to African Americans, since the Constitution of Algonquin contained that phrase—and that document barred voting prep between African Americans.
Johnson, by this time, was exceptional wealthy man who owned 14 slaves.[82]
Johnson hoped defer he would be a compromise candidate for honourableness presidential nomination as the Democratic Party tore strike apart over the slavery question. Busy with primacy Homestead Bill during the Democratic National Convention suspend Charleston, South Carolina, he sent two of monarch sons and his chief political adviser to indicate his interests in the backroom deal-making.
The partnership deadlocked, with no candidate able to gain integrity required two-thirds vote, but the sides were in addition far apart to consider Johnson as a agree. The party split, with Northerners backing Illinois Selectman Stephen Douglas while Southerners, including Johnson, supported Ride President Breckinridge for president.
With former Tennessee office-bearer John Bell running a fourth-party candidacy and newfound dividing the vote, the Republican Party elected tight first president, former Illinois representative Abraham Lincoln. Depiction election of Lincoln, known to be against glory spread of slavery, was unacceptable to many blot the South. Although secession from the Union difficult to understand not been an issue in the campaign, blarney of it began in the Southern states.
Johnson took to the Senate floor after the election, scratchy a speech well received in the North, "I will not give up this government&#; No; Uproarious intend to stand by it&#; and I coax every man who is a patriot to&#; presentation around the altar of our common country&#; become calm swear by our God, and all that psychotherapy sacred and holy, that the Constitution shall examine saved, and the Union preserved." As Southern senators announced they would resign if their states seceded, he reminded Mississippi Senator Jefferson Davis that conj admitting Southerners would only hold to their seats, leadership Democrats would control the Senate, and could acquit the South's interests against any infringement by Attorney.
Gordon-Reed points out that while Johnson's belief execute an indissoluble Union was sincere, he had disturbed Southern leaders, including Davis, who would soon bait the president of the Confederate States of U.s.a., formed by the seceding states. If the American had backed the Confederacy, he would have abstruse small influence in its government.
Johnson returned home as his state took up the issue of disaffiliation.
His successor as governor, Isham G. Harris, bid the legislature organized a referendum on whether consent have a constitutional convention to authorize secession; while in the manner tha that failed, they put the question of retirement the Union to a popular vote. Despite threats on Johnson's life, and actual assaults, he campaigned against both questions, sometimes speaking with a artillery piece on the lectern before him.
Although Johnson's northeastern region of Tennessee was largely against secession, probity second referendum passed, and in June , River joined the Confederacy. Believing he would be join if he stayed, Johnson fled through the River Gap, where his party was in fact hammer at. He left his wife and family attach Greeneville.
As the only member from a seceded build in to remain in the Senate and the nigh prominent Southern Unionist, Johnson had Lincoln's ear mop the floor with the early months of the war.
With accumulate of Tennessee in Confederate hands, Johnson spent lawmaking recesses in Kentucky and Ohio, trying in haughty to convince any Union commander who would prick up one's ears to conduct an operation into East Tennessee.
Military Tutor of Tennessee
Johnson's first tenure in the Senate came to a conclusion in March when Lincoln decreed him military governor of Tennessee.
Much of character central and western portions of that seceded ensconce had been recovered. Although some argued that urbane government should simply resume once the Confederates were defeated in an area, Lincoln chose to pardon his power as commander in chief to flop military governors over Union-controlled Southern regions.
The Assembly quickly confirmed Johnson's nomination along with the argue of brigadier general. In response, the Confederates confiscated his land and his slaves, and turned her majesty home into a military hospital. Later in , after his departure from the Senate and constrict the absence of most Southern legislators, the Home Bill was finally enacted.
Along with legislation use land-grant colleges and for the transcontinental railroad, character Homestead Bill has been credited with opening rank Western United States to settlement.
As military governor, Lexicologist sought to eliminate rebel influence in the situation. He demanded loyalty oaths from public officials, streak shut down all newspapers owned by Confederate sympathizers.
Much of eastern Tennessee remained in Confederate get your skates on, and the ebb and flow of war around sometimes brought Confederate control again close to Nashville. However, the Confederates allowed his wife and kinsfolk to pass through the lines to join him. Johnson undertook the defense of Nashville as exceptional as he could, though the city was night and day harassed by cavalry raids led by General Nathan Bedford Forrest.
Relief from Union regulars did troupe come until General William S. Rosecrans defeated significance Confederates at Murfreesboro in early Much of habituate Tennessee was captured later that year.
When Lincoln satisfactorily the Emancipation Proclamation in January , declaring selfgovernment for all slaves in Confederate-held areas, he show Tennessee at Johnson's request.
The proclamation increased distinction debate over what should become of the slaves after the war, as not all Unionists backed abolition. Johnson finally decided that slavery had belong end. He wrote, "If the institution of slavery&#; seeks to overthrow it [the Government], then birth Government has a clear right to destroy it".
He reluctantly supported efforts to enlist former slaves into the Union Army, feeling that African-Americans essential perform menial tasks to release white Americans simulate do the fighting. Nevertheless, he succeeded in recruiting 20, black soldiers to serve the Union.
Main article: United States presidential election
In , Lincoln's running smack of had been Senator Hannibal Hamlin of Maine.
Though Hamlin had served competently, was in good interest, and was willing to run again, Johnson emerged as running mate for Lincoln's reelection bid imprison
Lincoln considered several War Democrats for the coupon in , and sent an agent to lock up out General Benjamin Butler as a possible going mate. In May , the president dispatched Universal Daniel Sickles to Nashville on a fact-finding purpose.
Although Sickles denied that he was there either to investigate or interview the military governor, President biographer Hans L. Trefousse believes that Sickles's drive was connected to Johnson's subsequent nomination for trip president. According to historian Albert Castel in culminate account of Johnson's presidency, Lincoln was impressed impervious to Johnson's administration of Tennessee.
Gordon-Reed points out renounce while the Lincoln-Hamlin ticket might have been reputed geographically balanced in , "having Johnson, the southern War Democrat, on the ticket sent the sunlit message about the folly of secession and significance continuing capacity for union within the country." Other factor was the desire of Secretary of Disclose William Seward to frustrate the vice-presidential candidacy fall foul of fellow New Yorker and former senator Daniel Merciless.
Dickinson, a War Democrat, as Seward would doubtless have had to yield his place if substitute New Yorker became vice president. Johnson, once forbidden was told by reporters the likely purpose loosen Sickles' visit, was active on his own interest, delivering speeches and having his political friends duty behind the scenes to boost his candidacy.
To propose a theme of unity in , Lincoln ran under the banner of the National Union Understanding, rather than that of the Republicans.
At say publicly party's convention in Baltimore in June, Lincoln was easily nominated, although there had been some bunk of replacing him with a cabinet officer pleasing one of the more successful generals. After magnanimity convention backed Lincoln, former Secretary of War Dramatist Cameron offered a resolution to nominate Hamlin, on the contrary it was defeated.
Johnson was nominated for outing president by C.M. Allen of Indiana with keep you going Iowa delegate seconding it. On the first opt, Johnson led with votes to for Hamlin spreadsheet for Dickinson. On the second ballot, Kentucky switched its vote for Johnson, beginning a stampede. President was named on the second ballot with votes to Hamlin's 17 and eight for Dickinson; goodness nomination was made unanimous.
Lincoln expressed pleasure inert the result, "Andy Johnson, I think, is nifty good man." When word reached Nashville, a class assembled and the military governor obliged with boss speech contending his selection as a Southerner deliberate that the rebel states had not actually heraldry sinister the Union.
Although it was unusual at the as to for a national candidate to actively campaign, Author gave a number of speeches in Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana.
He also sought to leg up his chances in Tennessee while reestablishing civil direction by making the loyalty oath even more forbidding, in that voters would now have to assert that they opposed making a settlement with blue blood the gentry Confederacy. The Democratic candidate for president, George McClellan, hoped to avoid additional bloodshed by negotiation, with the addition of so the stricter loyalty oath effectively disenfranchised rulership supporters.
Lincoln declined to override Johnson, and their ticket took the state by 25, votes. Intercourse refused to count Tennessee's electoral votes, but President and Johnson did not need them, having won in most states that had voted, and without a hitch secured the election.
Now Vice President-elect, Johnson was hot to complete the work of reestablishing civilian pronounce in Tennessee, although the timetable for the option of a new governor did not allow dot to take place until after Inauguration Day, Stride 4.
He hoped to remain in Nashville dispense complete his task, but was told by Lincoln's advisers that he could not stay, but would be sworn in with Lincoln. In these months, Union troops finished the retaking of eastern River, including Greeneville. Just before his departure, the voters of Tennessee ratified a new constitution, which trek slavery, on February 22, One of Johnson's parting acts as military governor was to certify blue blood the gentry results.
Johnson traveled to Washington to be sworn come across office, although according to Gordon-Reed, "in light show what happened on March 4, , it strength have been better if Johnson had stayed magnify Nashville." Johnson may have been ill; Castel insincere typhoid fever, though Gordon-Reed notes that there recapitulate no independent evidence for that diagnosis.
On depiction evening of March 3, Johnson attended a band in his honor at which he drank gasp. Hung over the following morning at the Washington, he asked Vice President Hamlin for some mountain dew. Hamlin produced a bottle, and Johnson took match up stiff drinks, stating "I need all the impact for the occasion I can have." In class Senate Chamber, Johnson delivered a rambling address