(1808–1875) was the 17th President of the United States, serving from 1865 to 1869. Johnson was elected to the House of Representatives in 1843, became Governor of Tennessee in 1853, and was elected to the Senate in 1857, where he sought passage of the Homestead Bill. As Southern states, including Tennessee, seceded to form theConfederacy, Johnson remained firmly with the Union. As a War Democratin 1864, he was a logical choice as running mate for President Abraham Lincoln, who wished to send a message of national unity. Johnson was sworn in as vice president in March 1865; six weeks later, the assassination of Lincoln made him president. Johnson directed the seceded states to hold conventions and elections to re-form their civil governments. When Congress passed bills for a more severe Reconstruction, he vetoed them, but Congress overrode him, setting a pattern for the remainder of his presidency. When he tried to dismiss Secretary of War Edwin Stanton in possible violation of the Tenure of Office Act, he was impeached by the House of Representatives, and narrowly avoided removal from office. Although his ranking has fluctuated over time, he is generally considered among the worst American presidents. (Full   article... )

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