50 Facts About President Andrew Johnson

Early Life and Background

Andrew Johnson's early years shaped his future presidency. Here are some intriguing facts about his beginnings.

1. Born on December 29, 1808, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Johnson grew up in poverty.
2. His father, Jacob Johnson, died when Andrew was just three years old.
3. Johnson's mother, Mary McDonough Johnson, worked as a laundress to support the family.
4. At age 10, Johnson was apprenticed to a tailor, where he learned the trade.
5. Despite having no formal education, Johnson taught himself to read and write.
6. Johnson married Eliza McCardle in 1827, who helped him improve his literacy skills.
7. The couple had five children: Martha, Charles, Mary, Robert, and Andrew Jr.

Political Career Before Presidency

Before becoming president, Johnson had a long political career. These facts highlight his journey.

8. Johnson began his political career as an alderman in Greeneville, Tennessee, in 1829.
9. He served as mayor of Greeneville from 1834 to 1835.
10. Johnson was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1835.
11. He served in the Tennessee Senate from 1841 to 1843.
12. Johnson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1843, serving five terms.
13. He became governor of Tennessee in 1853, serving two terms.
14. Johnson was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1857.

Presidency and Major Events

Johnson's presidency was marked by significant events and challenges. Here are some key facts.

15. Johnson became vice president under Abraham Lincoln in 1865.
16. He assumed the presidency after Lincoln's assassination on April 15, 1865.
17. Johnson was the first president to be impeached by the House of Representatives.
18. He narrowly avoided removal from office by one vote in the Senate.
19. Johnson's presidency saw the passage of the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery.
20. He vetoed the Civil Rights Act of 1866, but Congress overrode his veto.
21. Johnson opposed the 14th Amendment, which granted citizenship to former slaves.
22. He issued a blanket pardon to former Confederates in 1868.

Personal Traits and Beliefs

Johnson's personality and beliefs influenced his political decisions. These facts delve into his character.

23. Johnson was known for his stubbornness and strong-willed nature.
24. He believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution.
25. Johnson was a staunch supporter of states' rights.
26. He opposed secession but was sympathetic to the South.
27. Johnson was a Democrat who ran with Lincoln on the National Union ticket.
28. He had a contentious relationship with Radical Republicans in Congress.
29. Johnson was known for his fiery and impassioned speeches.

Post-Presidency Life

After leaving office, Johnson continued to be active in politics. Here are some facts about his later years.

30. Johnson returned to Tennessee after his presidency ended in 1869.
31. He unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate in 1869.
32. Johnson was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1875, becoming the only former president to serve in the Senate.
33. He served in the Senate until his death on July 31, 1875.
34. Johnson died of a stroke at his daughter's home in Elizabethton, Tennessee.
35. He was buried with a copy of the Constitution and a Bible.

Legacy and Impact

Johnson's legacy is complex and often debated. These facts explore his impact on American history.

36. Johnson's impeachment set a precedent for future presidential impeachments.
37. His lenient Reconstruction policies were criticized for failing to protect the rights of freed slaves.
38. Johnson's opposition to the 14th Amendment delayed its ratification.
39. Historians often rank Johnson among the least effective U.S. presidents.
40. Despite his controversial presidency, Johnson's rise from poverty to the highest office is seen as a testament to American opportunity.
41. Johnson's impeachment trial highlighted the tension between the executive and legislative branches.
42. His presidency underscored the challenges of reunifying a nation after civil war.

Interesting Tidbits

Some lesser-known facts about Johnson add depth to his story.

43. Johnson was the first president to be sworn in by a Supreme Court justice.
44. He was the only Southern senator to remain loyal to the Union during the Civil War.
45. Johnson's tailor shop in Greeneville is now a National Historic Site.
46. He was the first president to have a veto overridden by Congress.
47. Johnson's impeachment trial was the first to be covered extensively by the media.
48. He was known for his fondness for whiskey, which sometimes affected his public appearances.
49. Johnson's wife, Eliza, rarely appeared in public due to poor health.
50. Despite his controversial presidency, Johnson remained committed to his vision of the Constitution and the Union.

Reflecting on Andrew Johnson's Legacy

Andrew Johnson's presidency remains one of the most debated in American history. From his humble beginnings as a tailor to his unexpected rise to the highest office, Johnson's journey was anything but ordinary. His policies during Reconstruction, especially his leniency towards the South, sparked significant controversy and led to his impeachment. Yet, his resilience and determination to stick to his beliefs, despite immense opposition, highlight a complex character.

Understanding Johnson's life and presidency offers valuable insights into a turbulent period in American history. His story is a reminder of the challenges and complexities that come with leadership, especially during times of national crisis. While opinions on his legacy vary, there's no denying that Andrew Johnson played a pivotal role in shaping the post-Civil War United States. His impact, both positive and negative, continues to be felt and studied today.