Worst Presidents: Andrew Johnson (1865-1869)

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I don't think Andrew Johnson was such a bad president. The problem was, he just didn't know how to be a leader he was more of a side-kick then a leader.

Aly of NY 10:48PM October 14, 2009

I don't think Andrew Johnson was such a bad president. The problem was, he just didn't know how to be a leader he was more of a side-kick then a leader.

Aly of NY 10:47PM October 14, 2009

Andrew Johnson because of his unflinching racism,encourage the terror that spread through the south for over 100 years. When the Radical Republicans tried to bring some sort of racial and economic equality to the south,many of them, mostly white men were murdered. Jim Crow was a direct result of Andrew Johnson's hostility and indifference.

Deborah Kwaczala of OH 10:35AM August 06, 2009

Catholic Johnson became president because a Catholic coup killed Lincoln. Revisionists hide the fact that all the plotters and Booth were Catholics.

auradawnveirs of CA 2:55PM July 28, 2009

your story is horrible .it does not include eonough informatoin

haley brayton of MA 11:10AM June 16, 2009

Johnson continued the policies of Lincoln!
He ran a pardon mill for southerners in order to be consistent with Lincoln's philosophy of, "With charity for all and malice toward none." The idea was to be done with the war.
There was a revenge minded north at that time that sought to punish the south. This was represented by the Republican party at the time of the 1860s and 1870s.
In recent events the world put punitive, revenge minded, policies on Germany after World War One. It created an environment that was perfect for the creation of Hitler and World War Two. In contrast, the Marshall plan has brought Europe a lasting peace.
Johnson had the duty of moving the country forward after the civil war and to prevent a second uprising against the US Government. Lincoln won the war but Johnson had the difficult duty to win the peace. Recent events have demonstrated that it is easy to win the war, as people tend to unite behind a cause, but it is very difficult to win the peace.
Each administration faces different challenges and some terms are easier than others. Some Presidents are adored by the press, but in Johnson's case he was thouroughly hated by the northern press. The presidential term that began March 1865 and ended March 1869 was probably one of the most difficult terms ever faced by any President.

Thomas of TN 12:20PM June 12, 2009