Andrew Johnson: The First US President to be Impeached

Andrew Johnson (1808-1875) was the 17th President of the United States, who was suddenly thrust into the office in 1865 after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. A gruff Southern Democrat, Johnson favored a quick end to Reconstruction (circa 1863-1877), which pitted him against the Radical Republicans in control of Congress. His opposition to 'Radical Reconstruction' led to his impeachment in 1868, which he survived by a single vote. After leaving the presidency in disgrace on 4 March 1869, he plotted a return to national politics, but died on 31 July 1875 shortly after winning election to the US Senate. He is often ranked as one of the worst US presidents, unequal to the crucial moment of Reconstruction.