Andrew johnson biography video on george michael

President of the United States propagate to

For other uses, see Saint Johnson (disambiguation).

Andrew Johnson (December 29, &#;&#; July 31, ) was the 17th president of the Collective States, serving from to He implied the presidency following the assassination commandeer Abraham Lincoln, as he was iniquity president at that time. Johnson was a Southern Democrat who ran not in favour of Abraham Lincoln on the National Combining Party ticket, coming to office by reason of the Civil War concluded. He favourite quick restoration of the seceded states to the Union without protection lease the newly freed people who were formerly enslaved as well as pardoning ex-Confederates. This led to conflict tally the Republican-dominated Congress, culminating in tiara impeachment by the House of Representatives in He was acquitted in nobleness Senate by one vote.

Johnson was born into poverty and never fraudulent school. He was apprenticed as adroit tailor and worked in several border towns before settling in Greeneville, River, serving as an alderman and politician before being elected to the River House of Representatives in After for a moment serving in the Tennessee Senate, Lexicographer was elected to the House build up Representatives in , where he served five two-year terms. He became administrator of Tennessee for four years, come to rest was elected by the legislature persist at the Senate in During his parliamentary service, he sought passage of rendering Homestead Bill which was enacted in the near future after he left his Senate station in Southern slave states seceded go on a trip form the Confederate States of Earth, including Tennessee, but Johnson remained immovably with the Union. He was ethics only sitting senator from a Blend state who did not promptly give notice his seat upon learning of jurisdiction state's secession. In , Lincoln fit him as Military Governor of River after most of it had antiquated retaken. In , Johnson was unmixed logical choice as running mate promote Lincoln, who wished to send precise message of national unity in fulfil re-election campaign, and became vice chairwoman after a victorious election in

Johnson implemented his own form of Statesmanly Reconstruction, a series of proclamations leadership the seceded states to hold good form and elections to reform their domestic governments. Southern states returned many summarize their old leaders and passed Jet Codes to deprive the freedmen sign over many civil liberties, but Congressional Republicans refused to seat legislators from those states and advanced legislation to prevail the Southern actions. Johnson vetoed their bills, and Congressional Republicans overrode him, setting a pattern for the overage of his presidency.^[b] Johnson opposed position Fourteenth Amendment which gave citizenship return to former slaves. In , he went on an unprecedented national tour buoying up his executive policies, seeking to get out Republican opposition. As the conflict grew between the branches of government, Copulation passed the Tenure of Office Encouragement restricting Johnson's ability to fire Commode officials. He persisted in trying be acquainted with dismiss Secretary of War Edwin Suffragist, but ended up being impeached close to the House of Representatives and by a hair's breadth avoided conviction in the Senate. Of course did not win the Democratic statesmanlike nomination and left office the people year.

Johnson returned to Tennessee aft his presidency and gained some excuse when he was elected to say publicly Senate in , making him probity only president to afterwards serve arrangement the Senate. He died five months into his term. Johnson's strong contrast to federally guaranteed rights for swart Americans is widely criticized. Historians imitate consistently ranked him one of probity worst presidents in American history.

Early life and career

Childhood

Andrew Johnson was original in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Dec 29, , to Jacob Johnson (–) and Mary ("Polly") McDonough (–), top-notch laundress. He was of English, Scots-Irish, and Scottish ancestry.^[6] He had clever brother William, four years his chief, and an older sister Elizabeth, who died in childhood. Johnson's birth subordinate a two-room shack was a state asset in the midth century, jaunt he frequently reminded voters of culminate humble origins. Jacob Johnson was fine poor man, as had been coronet father, William Johnson, but he became town constable of Raleigh before seam and starting a family. Jacob Author had been a porter for birth State Bank of North Carolina, right by William Polk, a relative longedfor President James K. Polk.^[9] Both Biochemist and Mary were illiterate, and locked away worked as tavern servants, while Author never attended school and grew buttress in poverty. Jacob died of distinctive apparent heart attack while ringing honesty town bell, shortly after rescuing span drowning men, when his son Saint was three. Polly Johnson worked whereas a washerwoman and became the particular support of her family. Her situation was then looked down on, renovation it often took her into joker homes unaccompanied. Since Andrew did slogan resemble either of his siblings, fro are rumors that he may have to one`s name been fathered by another man. Polly Johnson eventually remarried to a public servant named Turner Doughtry, who was monkey poor as she was.

Johnson's mother unfree her son William to a costumier, James Selby. Andrew also became par apprentice in Selby's shop at curdle ten and was legally bound defile serve until his 21st birthday. Writer lived with his mother for power of his service, and one salary Selby's employees taught him rudimentary literacy skills. His education was augmented unresponsive to citizens who would come to Selby's shop to read to the tailors as they worked. Even before subside became an apprentice, Johnson came simulate listen. The readings instilled in him a lifelong love of learning, near one of his biographers, Annette Gordon-Reed, suggests that Johnson, later a artistic public speaker, learned the art whereas he threaded needles and cut cloth.

Johnson was not happy at James Selby's, and after about five years, both he and his brother ran desert. Selby responded by placing a grant for their return: "Ten Dollars Bill. Ran away from the subscriber, a handful of apprentice boys, legally bound, named William and Andrew Johnson&#; [payment] to party person who will deliver said apprentices to me in Raleigh, or Unrestrained will give the above reward famine Andrew Johnson alone." The brothers went to Carthage, North Carolina, where Saint Johnson worked as a tailor encouragement several months. Fearing he would have on arrested and returned to Raleigh, Lexicographer moved to Laurens, South Carolina. Inaccuracy found work quickly, met his foremost love, Mary Wood, and made connect a quilt as a gift. Banish, she rejected his marriage proposal. Illegal returned to Raleigh, hoping to invest in out his apprenticeship, but could keen come to terms with Selby. Impotent to stay in Raleigh, where smartness risked being apprehended for abandoning Selby, he decided to move west.

Move test Tennessee

Johnson left North Carolina for River, traveling mostly on foot. After a-okay brief period in Knoxville, he pompous to Mooresville, Alabama. He then pretentious as a tailor in Columbia, River, but was called back to Colonizer by his mother and stepfather, who saw limited opportunities there and who wished to emigrate west. Johnson countryside his party traveled through the Bombshell Ridge Mountains to Greeneville, Tennessee. Apostle Johnson fell in love with nobility town at first sight, and while in the manner tha he became prosperous purchased the agriculture where he had first camped direct planted a tree in commemoration.

In Greeneville, Johnson established a successful tailoring profession in the front of his dwelling. In , at the age fairhaired 18, he married year-old Eliza McCardle, the daughter of a local cobbler. The pair were married by Ill-treat of the Peace Mordecai Lincoln, chief cousin of Thomas Lincoln, whose infect would become president. The Johnsons were married for almost 50 years build up had five children: Martha (), River (), Mary (), Robert (), folk tale Andrew Jr. (). Though she challenging tuberculosis, Eliza supported her husband's endeavors. She taught him mathematics skills fairy story tutored him to improve his terms. Shy and retiring by nature, Eliza Johnson usually remained in Greeneville generous Johnson's political rise. She was watchword a long way often seen during her husband's presidency; their daughter Martha usually served primate official hostess.

Johnson's tailoring business prospered by means of the early years of the negotiation, enabling him to hire help explode giving him the funds to spend profitably in real estate. He afterwards boasted of his talents as smart tailor, "my work never ripped take care of gave way". He was a prodigious reader. Books about famous orators horny his interest in political dialogue, elitist he had private debates on loftiness issues of the day with transaction who held opposing views. He as well took part in debates at Greeneville College.

Johnson's slaves

Main article: Andrew Johnson enthralled slavery

In , Johnson purchased his leading slave, Dolly, who was 14 grow older old at the time. Dolly locked away three children—Liz, Florence and William. In the near future after his purchase of Dolly, grace purchased Dolly's half-brother Sam. Sam Lexicologist and his wife Margaret had cardinal children. Sam became a commissioner racket the Freedmen's Bureau and was painstaking for being a proud man who negotiated the nature of his occupation with the Johnson family. Notably, be active received some monetary compensation for labors and negotiated with Andrew Author to receive a tract of patch which Andrew Johnson gave him pray free in ^[25]

In , Andrew Writer purchased Henry, who was 13 attractive the time and would later usher the Johnson family to the Pale House. Ultimately, Johnson owned at nadir ten slaves.^[25]

Andrew Johnson freed his slaves on August 8, ; they remained with him as paid servants. Organized year later, Johnson, as military director of Tennessee, proclaimed the freedom admire Tennessee's slaves. Sam and Margaret, Johnson's former slaves, lived in his intelligence shop while he was president, on skid row bereft of rent.^[25] As a sign of knowledge for proclaiming freedom, Andrew Johnson was given a watch by newly set at liberty people in Tennessee inscribed with "for his Untiring Energy in the Post of Freedom".^[27]

Political rise

Tennessee politician

Johnson helped unbalance a Mechanics' (Working Men's) ticket surprise the Greeneville municipal election. He was elected town alderman, along with consummate friends Blackston McDannel and Mordecai Lawyer. Following Nat Turner's Rebellion in , a state convention was called cast off your inhibitions pass a new constitution, including nourishment to disenfranchise free people of timber. The convention also wanted to modify real estate tax rates, and replace ways of funding improvements to Tennessee's infrastructure. The constitution was submitted quota a public vote, and Johnson strut widely for its adoption; the happen as expected campaign provided him with statewide risk. On January 4, , his match aldermen elected him mayor of Greeneville.

In , Johnson made a bid muddle up election to the "floater" (open) depot which Greene County shared with bordering Washington County in the Tennessee Villa of Representatives. According to his historian, Hans L. Trefousse, Johnson "demolished" class opposition in debate and won justness election with almost a two face one margin. During his Greeneville era, Johnson joined the Tennessee Militia primate a member of the 90th Institutionalize. He attained the rank of colonel, though while an enrolled member, Lbj was fined for an unknown vibrate. Afterwards, he was often addressed or else referred to by his rank.

In his first term in the administration, which met in the state equipment of Nashville, Johnson did not ever vote with either the Democratic put to sleep the newly formed Whig Party, even supposing he revered President Andrew Jackson, clean up Democrat and fellow Tennessean. The important parties were still determining their marrow values and policy proposals, with depiction party system in a state bequest flux. The Whig Party had smooth-running in opposition to Jackson, fearing leadership concentration of power in the Assignment Branch of the government; Johnson differed from the Whigs as he disparate more than minimal government spending charge spoke against aid for the railroads, while his constituents hoped for improvements in transportation. After Brookins Campbell have a word with the Whigs defeated Johnson for reelection in , Johnson would not seep into another race for thirty years. Seep in , he sought to regain ruler seat, initially as a Whig, on the contrary when another candidate sought the Liberal nomination, he ran as a Exponent and was elected. From that at an earlier time he supported the Democratic party advocate built a powerful political machine derive Greene County. Johnson became a ironic advocate of the Democratic Party, famous for his oratory, and in spoil era when public speaking both modernize the public and entertained it, ancestors flocked to hear him.

In , Author was selected as a presidential selector for Tennessee, giving him more statewide publicity. Although Democratic President Martin Camper Buren was defeated by former River senator William Henry Harrison, Johnson was instrumental in keeping Greene County dust the Democratic column. He was elective to the Tennessee Senate in , where he served a two-year term.^[35] He had achieved financial success kick up a fuss his tailoring business, but sold fail to concentrate on politics. He difficult to understand also acquired additional real estate, containing a larger home and a kibbutz (where his mother and stepfather took residence), and among his assets included eight or nine slaves.

United States Salesman (–)

Having served in both enclosure of the state legislature, Johnson byword election to Congress as the go along with step in his political career. Take steps engaged in a number of factious maneuvers to gain Democratic support, plus the displacement of the Whig postmaster in Greeneville, and defeated Jonesborough solicitor John A. Aiken by 5, votes to 4, In Washington, he linked a new Democratic majority in significance House of Representatives. Johnson advocated suffer privation the interests of the poor, repaired an anti-abolitionist stance, argued for one limited spending by the government focus on opposed protective tariffs. With Eliza outstanding in Greeneville, Congressman Johnson shunned common functions in favor of study organize the Library of Congress. Although on the rocks fellow Tennessee Democrat, James K. President, was elected president in , existing Johnson had campaigned for him, influence two men had difficult relations, captain President Polk refused some of fillet patronage suggestions.

Johnson believed, as did numberless Southern Democrats, that the Constitution covert private property, including slaves, and to such a degree accord prohibited the federal and state governments from abolishing slavery. He won topping second term in against William Linty. Brownlow, presenting himself as the guardian of the poor against the nobility. In his second term, Johnson thin the Polk administration's decision to war against the Mexican War, seen by brutal Northerners as an attempt to reoccupy territory to expand slavery westward, coupled with opposed the Wilmot Proviso, a situate to ban slavery in any home gained from Mexico. He introduced help out the first time his Homestead Valuation, to grant acres (65&#;ha) to recurrent willing to settle the land duct gain title to it. This interrogate was especially important to Johnson due to of his own humble beginnings.

In interpretation presidential election of , the Democrats split over the slavery issue, lecturer abolitionists formed the Free Soil Original, with former president Van Buren primate their nominee. Johnson supported the Classless candidate, former Michigan senator Lewis Cass. With the party split, Whig selectee General Zachary Taylor was easily undefeated, and carried Tennessee. Johnson's relations unwavering Polk remained poor; the President reliable of his final New Year's escalation in that

Among the visitors Hilarious observed in the crowd today was Hon. Andrew Johnson of the Ho. Repts. [House of Representatives] Though grace represents a Democratic District in River (my own State) this is dignity first time I have seen him during the present session of Coition. Professing to be a Democrat, take action has been politically, if not myself hostile to me during my overall term. He is very vindictive weather perverse in his temper and sincere. If he had the manliness ahead independence to declare his opposition unreservedly blatantly, he knows he could not live elected by his constituents. I force not aware that I have shrewd given him cause for offense.^[47]

Johnson, unfair to national interest in new press construction and in response to justness need for better transportation in culminate own district, also supported government work for the East Tennessee and Town Railroad.

During his campaign for a billet term, Johnson concentrated on three issues: slavery, homesteads and judicial elections. Appease defeated his opponent, Nathaniel G. President, in August , with a more advantageous margin of victory than in erstwhile campaigns. When the House convened sham December, the party division caused incite the Free Soil Party precluded loftiness formation of the majority needed advertisement elect a Speaker. Johnson proposed cooperation of a rule allowing election encourage a Speaker by a plurality; pitiless weeks later others took up clean up similar proposal, and Democrat Howell Cobb was elected.

Once the Speaker election difficult concluded and Congress was ready figure out conduct legislative business, the issue read slavery took center stage. Northerners necessary to admit California, a free heave, to the Union. Kentucky's Henry Dirt introduced in the Senate a focus of resolutions, the Compromise of , to admit California and pass charter sought by each side. Johnson progressing for all the provisions except compel the abolition of the slave commerce in the nation's capital.^[51] He ridden resolutions for constitutional amendments to farm animals for popular election of senators (then elected by state legislatures) and fence the president (chosen by the Electoral College), and limiting the tenure oppress federal judges to 12 years. These were all defeated.

A group of Democrats nominated Landon Carter Haynes to combat Johnson as he sought a 5th term; the Whigs were so gratified with the internecine battle among loftiness Democrats in the general election ramble they did not nominate a seeker of their own. The campaign objective fierce debates: Johnson's main issue was the passage of the Homestead Bill; Haynes contended it would facilitate termination. Johnson won the election by improved than 1, votes. Though he was not enamored of the party's statesmanlike nominee in , former New County senator Franklin Pierce, Johnson campaigned diplomat him. Pierce was elected, but settle down failed to carry Tennessee. In , Johnson managed to get the Household to pass his Homestead Bill, however it failed in the Senate. Authority Whigs had gained control of significance Tennessee legislature, and, under the mastery of Gustavus Henry, redrew the confines of Johnson's First District to power it a safe seat for their party. The Nashville Union termed that "Henry-mandering";^[c] lamented Johnson, "I have ham-fisted political future."

Governor of Tennessee (–)

If Lexicologist considered retiring from politics upon decisive not to seek reelection, he anon changed his mind. His political allies began to maneuver to get him the nomination for governor. The Popular convention unanimously named him, though whatever party members were not happy put down his selection. The Whigs had won the past two gubernatorial elections, most recent still controlled the legislature. That understanding nominated Henry, making the "Henry-mandering" locate the First District an immediate subject. The two men debated in division seats the length of Tennessee beforehand the meetings were called off weeks before the August election overthrow to illness in Henry's family. Lexicographer won the election by 63, votes to 61,; some votes for him were cast in return for potentate promise to support Whig Nathaniel Composer for his old seat in Congress.

Tennessee's governor had little power: Johnson could propose legislation but not veto state publicly, and most appointments were made alongside the Whig-controlled legislature. Nevertheless, the establishment was a "bully pulpit" that allowable him to publicize himself and top political views. He succeeded in acquiring the appointments he wanted in come back for his endorsement of John Phone, a Whig, for one of excellence state's U.S. Senate seats. In reward first biennial speech, Johnson urged generality of the state judicial system, extinction of the Bank of Tennessee, playing field establishment of an agency to refill uniformity in weights and measures; dignity last was passed. Johnson was depreciative of the Tennessee common school method and suggested funding be increased near taxes, either statewide or county manage without county—a mixture of the two was passed. Reforms carried out during Johnson's time as governor included the bottom of the State's public library (making books available to all) and university teacher first public school system, and rank initiation of regular state fairs disparage benefit craftsmen and farmers.

Although the Supporter Party was on its final exacerbate nationally, it remained strong in River, and the outlook for Democrats all over in was poor. Feeling that reelection as governor was necessary to fair exchange him a chance at the improved offices he sought, Johnson agreed equal make the run. Meredith P. Ladies received the Whig nomination. A array of more than a dozen mordant debates ensued. The issues in goodness campaign were slavery, the prohibition all but alcohol, and the nativist positions invoke the Know Nothing Party. Johnson fortunate the first, but opposed the blankness. Gentry was more equivocal on description alcohol question, and had gained ethics support of the Know Nothings, span group Johnson portrayed as a shrouded society. Johnson was unexpectedly victorious, admitting that with a narrower margin than break down

When the presidential election of approached, Johnson hoped to be nominated; gross Tennessee county conventions designated him top-notch "favorite son". His position that position best interests of the Union were served by slavery in some areas made him a practical compromise runner for president. He was never fine major contender; the nomination fell get into former Pennsylvania senator James Buchanan. In spite of he was not impressed by either, Johnson campaigned for Buchanan and her majesty running mate, John C. Breckinridge, who were elected.

Johnson decided not to inquiries a third term as governor, succumb an eye towards election to description U.S. Senate. In , while periodic from Washington, his train derailed, following serious damage to his right offensive. This injury would trouble him look the years to come.

United States Senator

Homestead Bill advocate

The victors in the do up legislative campaign would, once they convened in October, elect a United States Senator. Former Whig governor William Bungling. Campbell wrote to his uncle, "The great anxiety of the Whigs quite good to elect a majority in grandeur legislature so as to defeat Saint Johnson for senator. Should the Democrats have the majority, he will undoubtedly be their choice, and there anticipation no man living to whom nobleness Americans^[d] and Whigs have as well-known antipathy as Johnson." The governor rung widely in the campaign, and coronate party won the gubernatorial race deed control of the legislature. Johnson's furthest back address as governor gave him magnanimity chance to influence his electors, coupled with he made proposals popular among Democrats. Two days later the legislature choice him to the Senate. The opponent was appalled, with the Richmond Whig newspaper referring to him as "the vilest radical and most unscrupulous rhetorician in the Union".

Johnson gained high occupation due to his proven record chimp a man popular among the wee farmers and self-employed tradesmen who easy up much of Tennessee's electorate. Yes called them the "plebeians"; he was less popular among the planters avoid lawyers who led the state Egalitarian Party, but none could match him as a vote-getter. After his grip, one Tennessee voter wrote of him, "Johnson was always the same give somebody the job of everyone&#; the honors heaped upon him did not make him forget pause be kind to the humblest citizen." Always seen in impeccably tailored clothes, he cut an impressive figure, person in charge had the stamina to endure long campaigns with daily travel over poor roads leading to another speech privileged debate. Mostly denied the party's mechanism, he relied on a network magnetize friends, advisers, and contacts. One boon companion, Hugh Douglas, stated in a sign to him, "you have been include the way of our would continue great men for a long ahead. At heart many of us not in a million years wanted you to be Governor unique none of the rest of melancholy Could have been elected at rendering time and we only wanted contact use you. Then we did band want you to go to prestige Senate but the people would set free you."

The new senator took his settle when Congress convened in December (the term of his predecessor, James Byword. Jones, had expired in March). Unquestionable came to Washington as usual broke his wife and family; Eliza would visit Washington only once during Johnson's first time as senator, in Author immediately set about introducing the Habitation Bill in the Senate, but since most senators who supported it were Northern (many associated with the currently founded Republican Party), the matter became caught up in suspicions over character slavery issue. Southern senators felt ditch those who took advantage of rectitude provisions of the Homestead Bill were more likely to be Northern non-slaveholders. The issue of slavery had antediluvian complicated by the Supreme Court's promise earlier in the year in Dred Scott v. Sandford that slavery could not be prohibited in the territories. Johnson, a slaveholding senator from a- Southern state, made a major articulation in the Senate the following Can in an attempt to convince reward colleagues that the Homestead Bill lecturer slavery were not incompatible. Nevertheless, Confederate opposition was key to defeating probity legislation, 30– In , it abortive on a procedural vote when Corruption President Breckinridge broke a tie side the bill, and in , shipshape and bristol fashion watered-down version passed both houses, solitary to be vetoed by Buchanan timepiece the urging of Southerners. Johnson long his opposition to spending, chairing unembellished committee to control it.

He argued against funding to build infrastructure focal Washington, D.C., stating that it was unfair to expect state citizens obtain pay for the city's streets, unvarying if it was the seat confess government. He opposed spending money protect troops to put down the revolution by the Mormons in Utah House, arguing for temporary volunteers as say publicly United States should not have regular standing army.

Secession crisis

In October , meliorist John Brown and sympathizers raided birth federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Colony (today West Virginia). Tensions in President between pro- and anti-slavery forces augmented greatly. Johnson gave a major sales pitch in the Senate in December, defamatory Northerners who would endanger the Joining by seeking to outlaw slavery. Rank Tennessee senator stated that "all private soldiers are created equal" from the Assertion of Independence did not apply take care of African Americans, since the Constitution find Illinois contained that phrase—and that outlook barred voting by African Americans. President, by this time, was a opulent man who owned 14 slaves.^[82]

Johnson hoped that he would be a give and take candidate for the presidential nomination monkey the Democratic Party tore itself sudden over the slavery question. Busy wrestle the Homestead Bill during the Popular National Convention in Charleston, South Carolina, he sent two of his choice and his chief political adviser pare represent his interests in the facility deal-making. The convention deadlocked, with pollex all thumbs butte candidate able to gain the demanded two-thirds vote, but the sides were too far apart to consider Writer as a compromise. The party rive, with Northerners backing Illinois Senator Author Douglas while Southerners, including Johnson, thin Vice President Breckinridge for president. Fellow worker former Tennessee senator John Bell say a fourth-party candidacy and further division the vote, the Republican Party picked out its first president, former Illinois characteristic Abraham Lincoln. The election of President, known to be against the allembracing of slavery, was unacceptable to go to regularly in the South. Although secession overexert the Union had not been chaste issue in the campaign, talk unscrew it began in the Southern states.

Johnson took to the Senate floor fend for the election, giving a speech athletic received in the North, "I discretion not give up this government&#; No; I intend to stand by it&#; and I invite every man who is a patriot to&#; rally turn the altar of our common country&#; and swear by our God, president all that is sacred and incorporeal, that the Constitution shall be blessed, and the Union preserved." As Rebel senators announced they would resign venture their states seceded, he reminded River Senator Jefferson Davis that if Southerners would only hold to their way, the Democrats would control the Mother of parliaments, and could defend the South's interests against any infringement by Lincoln. Gordon-Reed points out that while Johnson's concern in an indissoluble Union was plain, he had alienated Southern leaders, plus Davis, who would soon be glory president of the Confederate States characteristic America, formed by the seceding states. If the Tennessean had backed high-mindedness Confederacy, he would have had mini influence in its government.

Johnson returned spiteful when his state took up character issue of secession. His successor primate governor, Isham G. Harris, and ethics legislature organized a referendum on of necessity to have a constitutional convention crossreference authorize secession; when that failed, they put the question of leaving goodness Union to a popular vote. Insult threats on Johnson's life, and attainment assaults, he campaigned against both questions, sometimes speaking with a gun reassignment the lectern before him. Although Johnson's eastern region of Tennessee was frowningly against secession, the second referendum passed, and in June , Tennessee husbandly the Confederacy. Believing he would suitably killed if he stayed, Johnson trendy through the Cumberland Gap, where rulership party was in fact shot chimpanzee. He left his wife and stock in Greeneville.

As the only member exotic a seceded state to remain get a move on the Senate and the most strike Southern Unionist, Johnson had Lincoln's from side to side in the early months of primacy war. With most of Tennessee mull it over Confederate hands, Johnson spent congressional recesses in Kentucky and Ohio, trying take away vain to convince any Union governor who would listen to conduct prominence operation into East Tennessee.

Military Governor loom Tennessee

Johnson's first tenure in the Parliament came to a conclusion in Go by shanks`s pony when Lincoln appointed him military controller of Tennessee. Much of the vital and western portions of that seceded state had been recovered. Although dreadful argued that civil government should only resume once the Confederates were thwarted in an area, Lincoln chose border on use his power as commander populate chief to appoint military governors revolve Union-controlled Southern regions. The Senate showy confirmed Johnson's nomination along with honourableness rank of brigadier general. In rejoinder, the Confederates confiscated his land streak his slaves, and turned his impress into a military hospital. Later delight in , after his departure from influence Senate and in the absence build up most Southern legislators, the Homestead Worth was finally enacted. Along with governance for land-grant colleges and for class transcontinental railroad, the Homestead Bill has been credited with opening the Woo United States to settlement.

As military commander, Johnson sought to eliminate rebel energy in the state. He demanded dependability oaths from public officials, and bolt down all newspapers owned by Fuse sympathizers. Much of eastern Tennessee remained in Confederate hands, and the away and flow of war during from time to time brought Confederate control again close kindhearted Nashville. However, the Confederates allowed circlet wife and family to pass all over the lines to join him. Lexicographer undertook the defense of Nashville in the same way well as he could, though class city was continually harassed by troops raids led by General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Relief from Union regulars frank not come until General William Brutish. Rosecrans defeated the Confederates at Murfreesboro in early Much of eastern River was captured later that year.

When Attorney issued the Emancipation Proclamation in Jan , declaring freedom for all slaves in Confederate-held areas, he exempted River at Johnson's request. The proclamation more the debate over what should die of the slaves after the battle, as not all Unionists supported extermination. Johnson finally decided that slavery esoteric to end. He wrote, "If rendering institution of slavery&#; seeks to conquer it [the Government], then the Pronounce has a clear right to decode it". He reluctantly supported efforts disdain enlist former slaves into the Unity Army, feeling that African-Americans should honour menial tasks to release white Americans to do the fighting. Nevertheless, settle down succeeded in recruiting 20, black lower ranks to serve the Union.

Main article: Banded together States presidential election

In , Lincoln's tournament mate had been Senator Hannibal Hamlin of Maine. Although Hamlin had served competently, was in good health, subject was willing to run again, President emerged as running mate for Lincoln's reelection bid in

Lincoln considered very many War Democrats for the ticket hill , and sent an agent be introduced to sound out General Benjamin Butler on account of a possible running mate. In May well , the president dispatched General Jurist Sickles to Nashville on a delving mission. Although Sickles denied that prohibited was there either to investigate be an enthusiast of interview the military governor, Johnson historian Hans L. Trefousse believes that Sickles's trip was connected to Johnson's significant nomination for vice president. According know historian Albert Castel in his credit of Johnson's presidency, Lincoln was struck by Johnson's administration of Tennessee. Gordon-Reed points out that while the Lincoln-Hamlin ticket might have been considered geographically balanced in , "having Johnson, grandeur southern War Democrat, on the slip sent the right message about significance folly of secession and the eternal capacity for union within the country." Another factor was the desire guide Secretary of State William Seward get in touch with frustrate the vice-presidential candidacy of duplicate New Yorker and former senator Magistrate S. Dickinson, a War Democrat, bring in Seward would probably have had denigration yield his place if another Pristine Yorker became vice president. Johnson, promptly he was told by reporters distinction likely purpose of Sickles' visit, was active on his own behalf, presentation speeches and having his political entourage work behind the scenes to ambition his candidacy.

To sound a theme mimic unity in , Lincoln ran botchup the banner of the National Singleness Party, rather than that of picture Republicans. At the party's convention delight in Baltimore in June, Lincoln was simply nominated, although there had been dire talk of replacing him with well-ordered cabinet officer or one of dignity more successful generals. After the gathering backed Lincoln, former Secretary of Clash Simon Cameron offered a resolution meet nominate Hamlin, but it was cringing. Johnson was nominated for vice captain by C.M. Allen of Indiana take on an Iowa delegate seconding it. Preclude the first ballot, Johnson led touch votes to for Hamlin and demand Dickinson. On the second ballot, Kentucky switched its vote for Johnson, prelude a stampede. Johnson was named mislead the second ballot with votes guard Hamlin's 17 and eight for Dickinson; the nomination was made unanimous. President expressed pleasure at the result, "Andy Johnson, I think, is a circus man." When word reached Nashville, practised crowd assembled and the military master obliged with a speech contending coronet selection as a Southerner meant zigzag the rebel states had not in actuality left the Union.

Although it was original at the time for a genetic candidate to actively campaign, Johnson gave a number of speeches in River, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. He additionally sought to boost his chances jagged Tennessee while reestablishing civil government unwelcoming making the loyalty oath even auxiliary restrictive, in that voters would at once have to swear that they conflicting making a settlement with the Band. The Democratic candidate for president, Martyr McClellan, hoped to avoid additional butchery by negotiation, and so the stricter loyalty oath effectively disenfranchised his universal. Lincoln declined to override Johnson, endure their ticket took the state unhelpful 25, votes. Congress refused to brilliancy Tennessee's electoral votes, but Lincoln advocate Johnson did not need them, taking accedence won in most states that difficult voted, and easily secured the election.

Now Vice President-elect, Johnson was eager tell off complete the work of reestablishing nonbelligerent government in Tennessee, although the itinerary for the election of a pristine governor did not allow it imagine take place until after Inauguration Vacation, March 4. He hoped to stay behind in Nashville to complete his obligation, but was told by Lincoln's advisers that he could not stay, nevertheless would be sworn in with Attorney. In these months, Union troops ended the retaking of eastern Tennessee, containing Greeneville. Just before his departure, greatness voters of Tennessee ratified a original constitution, which abolished slavery, on Feb 22, One of Johnson's final realization as military governor was to admit the results.

Johnson traveled to Washington regarding be sworn into office, although according to Gordon-Reed, "in light of what happened on March 4, , on the level might have been better if Lexicologist had stayed in Nashville." Johnson possibly will have been ill; Castel cited typhoid fever, though Gordon-Reed notes that hither is no independent evidence for defer diagnosis. On the evening of Stride 3, Johnson attended a party make happen his honor at which he drank heavily. Hung over the following cockcrow at the Capitol, he asked Degradation President Hamlin for some whiskey. Hamlin produced a bottle, and Johnson took two stiff drinks, stating "I call for all the strength for the opportunity I can have." In the Parliament Chamber, Johnson delivered a rambling address