The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 138 views

The Tragic End of a Leader: Who Became President After Abraham Lincoln's Assassination?

The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

On April 14, 1865, a tragic event shook the nation when President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, a well-known actor and Confederate sympathizer. Lincoln's death occurred just five days after Confederate General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox, effectively ending the American Civil War. The nation was in mourning, and the question on everyone's mind was: who would become the next president of the United States?

The Vice President Takes Office

According to the United States Constitution, when the president dies or is unable to serve, the vice president assumes the office of the president. At the time of Lincoln's assassination, the vice president was Andrew Johnson, a Democrat from Tennessee. Johnson had been chosen by Lincoln as his running mate in the 1864 presidential election, largely due to his support for the Union and his opposition to secession.

Andrew Johnson: A Divided Legacy

Andrew Johnson's presidency was marked by controversy and division. A strong supporter of states' rights, Johnson believed that the federal government should not interfere with the internal affairs of the states. This stance put him at odds with many Republicans in Congress, who were pushing for Reconstruction and the protection of the rights of newly freed slaves. Johnson's veto of several key pieces of legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Reconstruction Acts, further strained his relationship with Congress.

The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson

In 1868, Johnson's disagreements with Congress came to a head when he was impeached by the House of Representatives on charges of "high crimes and misdemeanors." The impeachment was largely driven by Johnson's refusal to enforce the Reconstruction Acts and his attempts to undermine the authority of Congress. Although Johnson was acquitted by a single vote in the Senate, his presidency was effectively over.

Ulysses S. Grant: The Next President

In 1868, Andrew Johnson's successor was elected in a landslide victory. Ulysses S. Grant, the famous Union general who had led the North to victory in the Civil War, won the presidential election with a platform that included the protection of the rights of African Americans and the completion of Reconstruction. Grant's presidency was marked by significant achievements, including the passage of the 15th Amendment, which granted voting rights to African American men.

Philip H. Sheridan and George McClellan: Other Contenders

While Andrew Johnson was vice president, two other notable figures were considered as potential successors to Lincoln. Philip H. Sheridan, a Union general who had played a key role in the Civil War, was mentioned as a possible candidate. However, Sheridan's reputation was tarnished by his role in the Fort Pillow Massacre, in which hundreds of African American soldiers were killed by Confederate forces. George McClellan, another Union general, was also considered as a potential candidate. However, McClellan
Who Became President After Abraham Lincoln's Assassination? A Q&A Article

Q: Who was the vice president of the United States when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated?

A: Andrew Johnson, a Democrat from Tennessee, was the vice president of the United States when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

Q: Why was Andrew Johnson chosen as Lincoln's running mate?

A: Andrew Johnson was chosen as Lincoln's running mate in the 1864 presidential election largely due to his support for the Union and his opposition to secession.

Q: What was Andrew Johnson's stance on states' rights?

A: Andrew Johnson believed that the federal government should not interfere with the internal affairs of the states, which put him at odds with many Republicans in Congress.

Q: What were some of the key pieces of legislation that Andrew Johnson vetoed?

A: Andrew Johnson vetoed several key pieces of legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Reconstruction Acts.

Q: Why was Andrew Johnson impeached by the House of Representatives?

A: Andrew Johnson was impeached by the House of Representatives on charges of "high crimes and misdemeanors" due to his refusal to enforce the Reconstruction Acts and his attempts to undermine the authority of Congress.

Q: Who was elected as the next president of the United States after Andrew Johnson?

A: Ulysses S. Grant, the famous Union general who had led the North to victory in the Civil War, was elected as the next president of the United States in 1868.

Q: What were some of the key achievements of Ulysses S. Grant's presidency?

A: Some of the key achievements of Ulysses S. Grant's presidency included the passage of the 15th Amendment, which granted voting rights to African American men, and the completion of Reconstruction.

Q: Who were some of the other notable figures considered as potential successors to Lincoln?

A: Philip H. Sheridan, a Union general who had played a key role in the Civil War, and George McClellan, another Union general, were both considered as potential candidates.

Q: What was the significance of the Fort Pillow Massacre?

A: The Fort Pillow Massacre was a significant event in which hundreds of African American soldiers were killed by Confederate forces, and it tarnished the reputation of Philip H. Sheridan, who was accused of failing to protect the soldiers.

Q: What was the outcome of Andrew Johnson's impeachment trial?

A: Andrew Johnson was acquitted by a single vote in the Senate, but his presidency was effectively over.

Q: How did the assassination of Abraham Lincoln affect the nation?

A: The assassination of Abraham Lincoln had a profound impact on the nation, leading to a period of mourning and a re-evaluation of the country's values and priorities.

Q: What were some of the key challenges facing the United States in the aftermath of the Civil War?

A: Some of the key challenges facing the United States in the aftermath of the Civil War included Reconstruction, the protection of the rights of African Americans, and the reunification of the country.