Andrew Johnson

17th President of the United States

Years in Office: 1865-1869

Party: Democratic

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President Andrew Johnson had a tailor shop where he and his brother crafted clothes. Despite his humble beginnings, he later became a prominent political figure, showcasing the American dream of upward mobility.

Andrew Johnson

Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, assumed office in 1865 following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Born in poverty, Johnson rose to prominence as a self-taught tailor and entered politics as a Tennessee state legislator. A Southern Democrat, he stayed loyal to the Union during the Civil War and was Lincoln's running mate in 1864.

Johnson's presidency was marked by the tumultuous period of Reconstruction. His approach, however, conflicted with the Radical Republicans in Congress who sought more stringent measures against the Southern states. Johnson's lenient policies towards the South and his clashes with Congress led to his impeachment in 1868, making him the first U.S. president to face such charges. He narrowly avoided removal from office, surviving the impeachment trial by a single vote.

Despite his efforts to restore the Union, Johnson's legacy is mixed. His inability to navigate the complexities of Reconstruction contributed to the persistence of racial tensions in the South, and his presidency is often viewed as a missed opportunity to establish a more equitable post-Civil War society.