Who was Andrew Johnson?

Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States, serving from 1865 to 1869. He assumed the presidency after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Johnson was a controversial figure, particularly due to his approach to Reconstruction following the Civil War. He favored a lenient policy toward the Southern states and sought to restore their rights and political power quickly, often clashing with Congress, which sought to impose stricter regulations and protections for newly freed African Americans. This conflict contributed to his impeachment by the House of Representatives, although he was acquitted by the Senate and remained in office until the end of his term. Johnson's presidency is significant in the context of post-war America and debates over civil rights and federal authority.