Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the United States, held office from 1865 to 1869 during one of the most turbulent periods in American history. Rising from humble beginnings as a tailor, Johnson’s journey to the presidency was defined by his loyalty to the Union, advocacy for the working class, and complex role in post-Civil War Reconstruction.
As the successor to Abraham Lincoln, he faced the daunting task of reuniting a fractured nation while navigating fierce political conflicts with Congress. Johnson’s presidency is often remembered for its controversies, but his career also included significant achievements that shaped U.S. history.
From land reform advocacy to the expansion of U.S. territory, Johnson’s legacy is a mixture of triumphs, debates, and lessons that continue to be studied and re-evaluated. The following highlights explore ten key accomplishments of Andrew Johnson, shedding light on his contributions to the nation’s development and post-war recovery.
Accomplishments of Andrew Johnson
1. Steadfast Union Loyalty Despite Southern Roots.
Andrew Johnson’s loyalty to the Union stood out as a defining characteristic of his political identity, especially given his Southern background. A Democrat from Tennessee, Johnson faced significant opposition and personal risk when he openly denounced secession.
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As a U.S. Senator during the height of Southern defiance, he consistently argued that the Union must remain intact and opposed his state’s decision to join the Confederacy. His devotion to the Union earned him recognition from Abraham Lincoln and Northern Republicans, who saw him as an invaluable ally.
Johnson’s unwavering stance was critical in shaping his political trajectory, ultimately leading to his vice presidency and the presidency after Lincoln’s assassination.
2. Governor of Tennessee: Champion of the Common Man.
As governor of Tennessee from 1853 to 1857, Johnson built a reputation as a defender of the working class and small farmers. Coming from a humble background himself, he understood the struggles of the common man and sought policies that would uplift them.
His administration worked to improve public infrastructure, develop free public education, and reform the tax system to ensure that the wealthy bore more responsibility.
Johnson’s populist approach earned him broad support, particularly among the lower and middle classes, which would become a central theme of his political career. His focus on helping ordinary citizens climb the social ladder solidified his image as a “man of the people.”
3. Homestead Act Advocacy.
Throughout his time in Congress, Johnson championed legislation aimed at redistributing land to poor farmers, believing that land ownership was a path to economic independence and prosperity. He was an early and consistent supporter of the Homestead Act, which eventually became law in 1862.
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This act allowed settlers to claim federal land in the western territories for little or no cost, provided they worked the land and improved it. Johnson viewed the act as a way to empower ordinary Americans, particularly those who were economically disadvantaged.
His advocacy for land reforms fit into his larger vision of creating a more equitable society where hardworking individuals could improve their circumstances through property ownership.
4. Military Governor of Tennessee During the Civil War.
Lincoln’s decision to appoint Johnson as the military governor of Tennessee in 1862 reflected the president’s trust in him and his importance as a Southern Unionist. In this role, Johnson faced numerous challenges, including widespread lawlessness, guerrilla warfare, and divided loyalties among the population.
His primary task was to maintain order and prepare the state for reintegration into the Union after the war. Johnson worked to suppress Confederate sympathizers and promote loyalty to the federal government.
He also oversaw the reestablishment of civilian governance and early efforts to abolish slavery in Tennessee. His tenure as military governor was a critical precursor to the larger national effort of Reconstruction.
5. Vice Presidency Under Abraham Lincoln.
Johnson’s selection as Lincoln’s running mate in 1864 was a strategic decision designed to unify the nation during the final stages of the Civil War. Lincoln ran on a National Union ticket, combining Republican and pro-Union Democratic support.
Johnson’s presence on the ticket demonstrated that Lincoln was willing to work across party lines to preserve the Union. Johnson’s Southern roots further strengthened the ticket’s appeal to war-weary Democrats and moderates.
When Lincoln and Johnson won the election, it signaled the public’s desire for reconciliation and unity. However, their brief partnership was cut short by Lincoln’s assassination, thrusting Johnson into the presidency during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.
6. Presidential Reconstruction Plan.
Johnson’s approach to Reconstruction was shaped by his belief in rapid reintegration and limited federal intervention in the South. His plan, often referred to as “Presidential Reconstruction,” aimed to restore the Southern states to the Union as quickly as possible. Johnson issued amnesty to most former Confederates who took a loyalty oath and allowed Southern states to reestablish their governments with minimal oversight.
His plan did not initially require significant guarantees of rights for freedmen, leading to criticism from Radical Republicans. While controversial, Johnson’s efforts laid the groundwork for the larger debate over Reconstruction policy and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.
7. The Purchase of Alaska (1867).
One of the most significant achievements of Johnson’s presidency was the acquisition of Alaska from Russia in 1867. Arranged by Secretary of State William H. Seward, the $7.2 million purchase was initially dismissed as a folly by critics who saw the territory as a frozen wasteland. However, Johnson and Seward recognized its strategic importance and potential resources.
The purchase added over 586,000 square miles of territory to the United States, expanding its influence in the Pacific and securing valuable natural resources, including gold and oil. Over time, the acquisition proved to be a major asset, and Johnson’s role in finalizing the deal contributed to his legacy.
8. Vetoing the Freedmen’s Bureau Bill and Civil Rights Act.
Johnson’s presidency is often remembered for his extensive use of veto power, particularly against legislation aimed at extending rights and protections to freedmen. In 1866, he vetoed the Freedmen’s Bureau Bill, which sought to expand the agency’s role in helping newly freed African Americans with education, housing, and employment.
He also vetoed the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which aimed to protect freedmen from discriminatory laws in the South. Johnson believed these measures granted the federal government too much power and undermined states’ rights.
Although Congress overrode his vetoes, his actions highlighted the deep divisions between him and the Radical Republicans, who sought a more aggressive Reconstruction policy.
9. First President to Face Impeachment.
Johnson made history as the first U.S. president to face impeachment, a result of his ongoing conflicts with Congress over Reconstruction. The final trigger was his dismissal of Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, a key ally of the Radical Republicans, in violation of the Tenure of Office Act.
The House of Representatives quickly voted to impeach him, but the Senate trial narrowly acquitted him by one vote. The impeachment trial set an important precedent in American political history, reinforcing the limits of presidential power and the principle of checks and balances. Although Johnson completed his term, his presidency was permanently marred by the impeachment proceedings.
10. Champion of Working-Class Rights.
Throughout his political life, Johnson’s dedication to the working class remained central to his identity. Having grown up in poverty and risen through hard work and self-education, he believed that government should help ordinary citizens achieve upward mobility.
He frequently advocated for policies that benefited small farmers and laborers, including land reforms, public education, and labor protections.
His populist rhetoric and focus on economic opportunities resonated with many Americans, particularly in the South and West. Although his Reconstruction policies fell short in addressing the needs of freed African Americans, his broader commitment to working-class issues left a lasting impact on American political discourse.