Asked by Zarria Wilson on Jul 20, 2024

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What do modern scholars view as President Johnson's most serious and indictable offense?

A) His decision to fire Secretary of War Stanton
B) His losing battle with alcoholism
C) His advice to Southern states that they reject the Fourteenth Amendment
D) His systematic efforts to block enforcement of the Reconstruction Act of 1867

Reconstruction Act

Legislation passed in 1867 that laid out the process for readmitting Southern states into the Union following the Civil War, including requirements for suffrage and civil rights.

Stanton

Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a leading figure of the early women's rights movement in the United States, best known for her role in organizing the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention.

Andrew Johnson

Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States, serving from 1865 to 1869; he assumed presidency after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and was the first president to be impeached.

  • Assess the breakdown and ramifications of the preliminary Reconstruction proposals, including President Johnson's approaches.
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PN
Ph??c Nguy?n Th?Jul 21, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
Modern scholars view Johnson's systematic efforts to block enforcement of the Reconstruction Act of 1867 as his most serious and indictable offense. This act was passed to guarantee civil rights and suffrage to Black Americans and to place Southern states under military control until they ratified the Fourteenth Amendment. Johnson's efforts to block enforcement were seen as undermining the Reconstruction effort and perpetuating racial inequality. While his decision to fire Secretary of War Stanton played a role in his impeachment, it was not viewed as his most serious offense. His battle with alcoholism and advice to Southern states were also not seen as serious enough grounds for impeachment.