Andrew Johnson
U.S. President
The 17th president of the United States, Andrew Johnson was a poor tailor in Tennessee before he entered politics. A fast learner with a flair for oratory, he worked his way up to the U.S. Senate. In the Civil War he was the only Southern Democrat to support Abraham Lincoln, and was chosen for the vice-presidency in 1864. When Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, Johnson became President, but clashed with Radical Republicans, who held a majority in congress. They passed the Tenure of Office Act in 1867, restricting presidential powers, and when Johnson defied them, he was impeached in 1868. A few months later the Senate acquitted him by one vote. He was succeeded in office by Ulysses S. Grant.Extra credit: In 1875, former President Johnson was elected to the U.S. Senate from Tennessee.
Four Good Links
The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson
Read archived coverage of Johnson's political troubles
Andrew Johnson
A few speeches and links for further research
Andrew Johnson's Grave
One man visits his grave, then links to an old obituary
President Andrew Johnson
His official biography from The White House
Vital Stats
Birth
Birthplace
Death
Best Known As
President of the United States, 1865-1869
