Question

difference between abraham lincoln and andrew johnson

Answer 1

Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson were both U.S. Presidents, but they had distinct backgrounds, leadership styles, and approaches to key issues, especially regarding the Civil War and Reconstruction. Here are some differences between the two:

### Background
- **Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)**: Born in a log cabin in Kentucky, Lincoln grew up in a poor family and had limited formal education. He became a successful lawyer in Illinois and entered politics as a member of the Whig Party before helping to establish the Republican Party. He was elected the 16th President of the United States in 1860.

- **Andrew Johnson (1808-1875)**: Born in North Carolina, Johnson rose from humble beginnings as a tailor's apprentice to become a politician. He served as a congressman, senator, and military governor of Tennessee before becoming Vice President under Lincoln in 1865. Johnson assumed the presidency after Lincoln's assassination.

### Leadership During the Civil War
- **Lincoln**: Lincoln is best known for his leadership during the Civil War. He sought to preserve the Union and initially focused on preventing the expansion of slavery rather than outright abolition. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared the freedom of slaves in the Confederate states.

- **Johnson**: Johnson, who became president after Lincoln's assassination, had a different approach. He was lenient toward the South and prioritized quickly restoring the Union over implementing significant civil rights for freed slaves. His presidency was marked by conflict with Congress over Reconstruction policies.

### Approach to Reconstruction
- **Lincoln's Vision**: Lincoln's plan for Reconstruction was relatively forgiving. He advocated for the "10 Percent Plan," which allowed Southern states to rejoin the Union once 10% of their voters took an oath of loyalty to the Union. He believed in reconciliation and healing.

- **Johnson's Policies**: Johnson's approach was even more lenient than Lincoln's, emphasizing rapid restoration of Southern states with minimal conditions. He issued pardons to many former Confederates and opposed more stringent measures to protect the rights of newly freed African Americans, leading to a lack of protection and the rise of Black Codes in the South.

### Relationship with Congress
- **Lincoln**: Lincoln maintained a working relationship with Congress, seeking bipartisan support for his policies. He was often willing to compromise to achieve his goals.

- **Johnson**: Johnson's relationship with Congress became increasingly contentious. He vetoed several key pieces of legislation aimed at protecting the rights of African Americans, including the Freedmen's Bureau and the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which angered many lawmakers and led to his impeachment.

### Impeachment
- **Lincoln**: Lincoln was not impeached and served two terms in office, though he was assassinated shortly after beginning his second term.

- **Johnson**: Johnson was impeached by the House of Representatives in 1868, primarily over his violation of the Tenure of Office Act by attempting to remove Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. He was acquitted by the Senate and remained in office but was politically weakened.

### Legacy
- **Lincoln**: Lincoln is remembered as one of America's greatest presidents, largely for his leadership during the Civil War and his role in abolishing slavery.

- **Johnson**: Johnson's legacy is more complicated and often viewed negatively due to his inability to effectively manage Reconstruction and protect the rights of former slaves.

In summary, while both were important figures during a tumultuous time in American history, Lincoln's legacy is one of strong leadership and significant social change, while Johnson's presidency is often characterized by conflict and ineffective policies during Reconstruction.