Andrew Johnson

Johnson pursued a lenient Reconstruction that favored rapid restoration of Southern states and broad pardons for former Confederates, often at the expense of protections for freedpeople. He repeatedly clashed with the Republican-controlled Congress, vetoing key measures meant to secure civil rights and federal support for freedmen.

His removal of Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton and defiance of congressional Reconstruction led to his 1868 impeachment; he was acquitted by one Senate vote. Historians debate his legacy: he is seen as upholding presidential authority by some and as undermining Reconstruction and civil rights by others.

Succeeded Lincoln after assassination (1865); pursued lenient Reconstruction and issued broad pardons to former Confederates; vetoed the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Freedmen's Bureau bill (both overridden by Congress); removed Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, triggering the 1868 impeachment and acquittal by one Senate vote; clashed with Radical Republicans over Reconstruction policy; oversaw the 1867 purchase of Alaska ("Seward's Folly")