The concepts of Andrew Johnson, Impeachment, Congressional Reconstruction, and Presidential Reconstruction are deeply intertwined elements of the post-Civil War period in the United States. After Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, Johnson, who was a Southern Democrat, succeeded him and initiated a lenient approach to Reconstruction known as Presidential Reconstruction. This approach aimed to quickly restore Southern states without significant changes to their social order, which angered many Republicans who sought more drastic reforms to secure rights for freed slaves. As conflicts escalated over the direction of Reconstruction, Congress took control, initiating Congressional Reconstruction, which imposed stricter requirements on Southern states and aimed at expanding civil rights.
The clash between Johnson’s policies and Congress's vision ultimately led to his impeachment in 1868, primarily due to his violation of the Tenure of Office Act and his obstruction of Congressional Reconstruction efforts. While the impeachment did not result in his removal from office, it underscored the tensions between the presidency and Congress during this transformative period. Collectively, these concepts share a theme of struggle over power and control during Reconstruction as the nation grappled with reintegration and the legacy of slavery, influencing the course of American politics for years to come.