Dates in Office: 1865-1869
Important Information:
- Old fashioned, Southern Jacksonian Democrat
- Took over the presidency when Lincoln was assassinated
- Continued to reconstruct the former Confederate States while Congress was not in session (1865).
- When Congress met again, Johnson had already reconstructed most southern states.
- "Black codes" were beginning to appear
- The Radicals' tried to pass a bull dealing with former slaves, Johnson vetoed and it was the first time that enough votes were gathered in Congress to pass the legislation over a President's veto.
- The 14th Amendment was passed by Congress during Johnson's presidency.
- Conflict then grew between Johnson and Congress, the Tenure of Office Act was passed.
- Johnson tried to fire Edwin Stanton, Secretary of War, and almost lost his position as President.