Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States, serving from 1865 to 1869 He was a major figure in the post-Civil War Reconstruction period and one of the most controversial figures in American history He is remembered for his role in the Reconstruction of the Southern states, his numerous vetoes of Congressional Reconstruction acts, and his impeachment.
To provide a better understanding of Andrew Johnson’s presidency and history, here are five interesting essay topic ideas:
1. Analyze the Reconstruction Plans of Andrew Johnson: Andrew Johnson had different plans for Reconstruction than his predecessor, Abraham Lincoln. Evaluate Johnson’s plans, examining his main goals and the reasons why they ultimately failed.
2. Andrew Johnson’s Impeachment: Andrew Johnson was the first president to be impeached. Explore both sides of the impeachment, analyzing the arguments made by both the prosecution and the defense and explain why Johnson ultimately survived the proceedings.
3. Andrew Johnson and the Legacy of Reconstruction: Despite his many vetoes and his attempt to obstruct the Reconstruction process, there were some lasting reforms implemented during Johnson’s presidency. Examine what changes were made during this period, their impact, and how they shaped the South in the years after Reconstruction.
4. Andrew Johnson and the Development of Modern Race Relations: The Reconstruction years were a pivotal period in the history of race relations in the United States. Explore how Andrew Johnson’s presidency fed into the rise of Jim Crow and modern racism.
5. The Political Career of Andrew Johnson: Andrew Johnson was a successful politician for many years before becoming president. Trace his rise to the national stage, examining both his successes and his failures along the way. Analyze the impact of his pre-presidential political career.