The Resurrection of Andrew Johnson: His Return to Tennessee Politics

Abstract

Andrew Johnson returned from the Presidency to a harsh political environment in Tennessee. Immediately upon his return, he set out to win the Senate in his state. Although unsuccessful, he attempted office two more times, finally achieving success in 1874. His motivation lay in vindication for his impeachment, which destroyed and ruined his Presidency. However, other issues emerged as well, particularly that of the ex-Confederate military leaders who dominated the state's political scene from during the 1870s. Johnson successfully subverted them twice. As a spoiler in 1872 he stopped Confederate General Cheatham from winning the congressional at-large and when he won the Senate seat in 1874. Johnson died after only one appearance in the Senate in 1875.