The impeachers : the trial of Andrew Johnson and the dream of a just nation

Summary: When Lincoln was assassinated and Andrew Johnson became President, a fraught time in America became perilous. Congress was divided over how Reconstruction should be accomplished, and the question of black suffrage. The South roiled with violence, lawlessness, and efforts to preserve the pre-Civil War society. Johnson had no interest in following Lincoln's agenda. With the unchecked power of executive orders, Johnson pardoned the rebel states and their leaders, opposed black suffrage, and called Reconstruction unnecessary. Wineapple examines Johnson's impeachment-- the first in American history-- and shows that it was a last-ditch, patriotic effort make the goals of the Civil War a reality, and to make the Union one again. -- adapted from jacket

Item details

ISBN: 9780812998368
ISBN: 0812998367
ISBN: 9780812998375
Physical Description: print
xxix, 543 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm
Edition: First edition.
Publisher: New York : Random House, [2019]

Contents / Notes

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [501]-514) and index.

Formatted Contents Note:

Part one: Battle lines of peace. Mars ; Magnificent intentions ; The accidental president ; Moses ; The South victorious ; Not a "white man's government" ; Reconciliation ; Civil rights ; Mutual concessions, mutual hostilities ; Andy's swing around the circle ; Resistance -- Part two: Impeachment. Tenure of office ; A revolutionary period ; The Rubicon is crossed ; The president's message ; A blundering, roaring Lear ; Striking at a king ; Impeachment ; The high court of impeachment ; All the president's men ; The trial, first rounds ; The trial ; The beginning of the end -- Part three: Verdict. Cankered and crude ; Point-blank lying ; The crowning struggle ; The cease of majesty ; Let us have peace -- Part four: Denouement. Human rights.