165 YEARS AGO: Kentucky Congressman John J. Crittenden teams with Tennessee Senator Andrew Johnson to introduce a congressional resolution that aims to define the purpose of the Federal war effort.
Tag: Andrew Johnson
For the Ultimate Success of Our Arms
165 YEARS AGO: The U.S. Congress defiantly resolves that the defeat at Bull Run will not stop the Federals from achieving ultimate victory.
A Set of Aristocrats and Overbearing Tyrants
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Tennessee voters confirm the state legislature’s resolution to secede from the Union. However, eastern Tennessee remains largely pro-Union, and political leaders in that region look to form a separate state with Federal military support.
The Presidential Restoration Plan
Andrew Johnson issues two proclamations designed to continue Abraham Lincoln’s plan to restore the Confederates states to the U.S. This begins what would ultimately become one of the bitterest feuds between the executive and legislative branches of government.
Restoring the Insurrectionary States
President Andrew Johnson continues efforts to quickly restore the Union by endorsing Abraham Lincoln’s Ten-Percent Plan, recognizing new state governments, and reinstating officials loyal to the U.S. While Radical Republicans seek harsh penalties for the South, Johnson signals leniency toward soldiers and civilians.
Conducing to the Ends of Public Justice
President Andrew Johnson establishes a military commission to try the eight people accused of conspiring with John Wilkes Booth to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. The tribunal is given questionable constitutional powers that could impact the defendants’ rights and future appeals.