ipl-logo

The Pros And Cons Of Andrew Johnson's Impeachment

808 Words4 Pages

Andrew Johnson became the President of the United States after the assassination of President Lincoln. Johnson stepped into office after the Civil War, which was a fragile time for the country. As president after the war, it was Johnson’s duty to assist in unifying the southern slave states and the northern rebellious population, as one country. This was a difficult task to complete, especially after the assassination of a former president who really helped in the Civil War and with slavery. Johnson tried to quickly restore the states in the Union, however his actions lead to a presidential impeachment. Due to his violations and counterproductive acts, President Andrew Johnson deserved his impeachment. The decisions Andrew Johnson made and …show more content…

Johnson was vice president during Lincoln’s presidency, so after the death of Lincoln, Johnson was in line to become president. This differing view believes that his qualifications were justified because he had an experienced background in politics prior to his presidency. After the Civil War, he did not effect the issues of slavery with their freedom or rights and the Reconstruction of the South. This contrary view understands how Johnson did violate the Tenure of Office Act but they believe it to be okay because he only violated it once. As stated in the Articles of Impeachment of Andrew Johnson, he “did unlawfully, and in violation of the Constitution and laws of the United States, issue and order in writing for the removal of Edwin M. Stanton from the office of Secretary for the Department of War” (citation). This statement reveals how Johnson fired Edwin M. Stanton, who was his only secretary at the time, and replaced him. This is a violation of the law wether it happened once or more and a president should not have excuses when it comes to breaking the law. This contrasting view also believes it was reasonable because Johnson thought that if he did not fire him, it would have been unconstitutional. Later in history, Congress repealed the act which he broke. However, Congress repealed the act because they believed it to be unlawful and not

Show More
Related

  • How Did Lincoln And Johnson Approach To Reconstruction

    130 Words  | 1 Pages

    Lincoln wanted to help the South rejoin the Union. His primary concern was what was best for the Union. The South needed to rejoin the Union on his terms. Johnson had once talked tough against southern farmers, he allied himself with ex-Confederate leaders, and he forgave them when they appealed for pardons. This delighted southerners, of course,

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast Clinton And Johnson

    499 Words  | 2 Pages

    Andrew Johnson was the first president in U.S. history to be impeached. He was a disliked by many people in the north because he favored the south and because of his pro-slavery views. After the Civil War, Johnson was stubbornly against any laws that would aid the slaves in any way or any laws that would penalize men that fought for the confederacy. Johnson didn’t get along very good with the congress. He vetoed many bills that the congress tried to pass.

    Read More

  • Civil Rights Movement Dbq Essay

    533 Words  | 3 Pages

    One example that reveals President Johnson’s principal motivation can be found in (Doc A). In (Doc A) it states “That his first job after college was as a teacher in Cotulla, Tex., in a small Mexican-American school.” (Doc A) He also explains that he could see the pain of prejudice in their eyes and would buy them clothing, food and supplies because they could not afford them (Doc A). Therefore this evidence proves that his decision was principle because he cares for Mexican Americans and wanted them not to suffer and be segregated.

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of The Watergate Scandal

    1663 Words  | 7 Pages

    “No man is above the law.” This phrase is believed to be a representation of the checks and balances of the United States Government. However, when one truly looks into it, is it really the case? A prime example of an executive official getting away with an illegal crime with no lockup time is exemplified by the Watergate Scandal. President Richard Nixon was elected on November 6, 1968 and a majority of people loved him, his campaign, and a majority of his goals for the country.

    Read More

  • The Actions And Words Of Andrew Johnson

    115 Words  | 1 Pages

    The actions and words of Andrew Johnson were very contradictory. The cartoon states: "Treason is a crime and must be made odious, and traitors must be punished". He told the people of a reconstruction plan that was supposed to punish the confederate rebels. Johnson did the opposite by ordering many pardons The Northern Republicans in Congress were ostracized because he continually vetoed their attempts at reconstruction.

    Read More

  • How Was Andrew Johnson Get Impeached?

    712 Words  | 3 Pages

    After he was appointed president, he had some stuff to do. Andrew Johnson helped make the United States THE United States. First he had to bring the Southern States back together after the Civil War. It happened April 12, 1867 in the White House. He did this because he needed to include these states in the United States.

    Read More

  • What Was The Turning Point Of The Civil Rights Act Of 1866

    486 Words  | 2 Pages

    Congress tried to override Johnson’s veto but failed. The second bill the moderates proposed was the Civil Rights Act of 1866. This bill basically got rid

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of Reconstruction

    826 Words  | 4 Pages

    A few days after the civil War ended, President Lincoln was assassinated and never had the chance to implement his Reconstruction plan.   The Reconstruction Era occurred in the period of 1865 to 1877 under the reign of President Andrew Johnson who was the predecessor of President Lincoln.  Congress was not scheduled to convene until December 1865, which gave Johnson eight months to pursue his own Reconstruction policies. Under his Reconstruction policies, the former Confederate states were required to join back into the Union and heal the wounds of the nation.

    Read More

  • Similarities Between Julius Caesar And Abraham Lincoln

    670 Words  | 3 Pages

    Julius Caesar and Abraham Lincoln had heavy hearts and ethical ambitions, but their views on governing disagreed with many of their people. Their ideas of governing ultimately led to their assassinations, and the destruction of the foundation they built. Indirectly, their deaths took the hope of many deserving citizens and the chance for social equality in their countries. Julius Caesar was infamously assassinated for the benefit of Rome while Abraham Lincoln became a target of assassination out of egotistical beliefs towards America; their assassinations similarly caused distress to their hopeful citizens and a dent in the legacy they established for their people. In Caesar and Lincoln’s lives, they were respected and loved by many

    Read More

  • Andrew Johnson's Worst President

    159 Words  | 1 Pages

    Andrew Johnson is came from a poor family and was not educated until later years. He was born on December 29, 1808 and died July 31, 1875/ He was the seventh president. Andrew Johnson finished out Araham Lincoln's term when he was assasinated. He was a very prejudice person who believed the United States was for white men and should only be governed by white men. Many people think he was the worst president the United States has ever had until Barack Obama come along.

    Read More

  • Why Did The Civil Rights Movement Change America Essay

    668 Words  | 3 Pages

    He never really put much thought into his decisions except for the fact of was he going to be liked. This is the third and final most important reason on why he signing of the Civil Rights Act was based purely on politics. In conclusion, The Civil Rights Act was signed through politics and he did win the election of 1964. America did benefit greatly from the new laws creating equal opportunity for all who lived there. In his new term, Johnson created the Great Society which allowed many unprivileged children have equal footing for school.

    Read More

  • Why Did Lbj Sign The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 Essay

    456 Words  | 2 Pages

        One reason that reveals President Johnson’s principled motivation can be found in Doc A. L.B.J first job after college was being a teacher in Cotulla, Texas. He was teaching Mexican children who were poor but tried their best to learn and look nice for school. He wanted to teach this school of 5,6, and 7 graders because at the time there was poverty and segregation and was willing help even if

    Read More

  • Andrew Jackson Tyrant

    790 Words  | 4 Pages

    This is just one of the many examples of Jackson’s vetoes. While Jackson vetoed 12 bills in his time of presidency, other presidents at the time vetoed either none or no more than about 7. At the time, 12 vetoes was quite a lot compared to the other presidents. He had vetoes so many laws because he wanted to be the only person running the government. This is another example of his abuse of power.

    Read More

  • Causes Of Andrew Jackson's Presidency

    217 Words  | 1 Pages

    During Andrew Jackson’s presidency, he was not the best president. Some might consider him the worst. Most of Jackson’s actions during his presidency were deemed unconstitutional and illegal but were allowed due to the people’s support for Jackson. His plans for America didn’t include women, blacks or Indians. Jackson replaced all the Cabinet members with his selection friends, also known as the “Kitchen Cabinet”.

    Read More

  • Civil Rights Act Of 1964 Research Paper

    833 Words  | 4 Pages

    Johnson participates in a joint-session with Congress advocating strongly for the Civil Rights legislation, mentioning the eulogy of J.F.K.’s presidency. Johnson’s aggressiveness with mentioning Kennedy’s power when he was president helped to push the legislation but there was still a lot of work to do. The House of Representatives wrote a “petition of discharge” trying to skip over the rules committee and what they had on their agenda. The rules committee which was headed by Howard W. Smith, was publicly supported. To avoid public embarrassment, Smith pushed the legislation through the rules committee himself.

    Read More

More about The Pros And Cons Of Andrew Johnson's Impeachment

Open Document