Andrew Johnson and Reconstruction

Andrew Johnson's presidency remains the most controversial in American history. This essay seeks to place Johnson and his time in office into context, looking both to the circumstances of his Reconstruction policies and the often contentious historiography which has developed since his presidency. At the heart of the piece is the question of how Johnson, a man with impeccable Unionist credentials, could expend so much good will in such a short period of time, losing his party and his office in the process.