Abraham Lincoln's Death and Johnson's Swearing In
Abraham Lincoln died in Washington, D.C. after being shot by John Wilkes Booth in Ford's Theatre the previous evening. Following Lincoln's death, Vice President Andrew Johnson was sworn in as the 17th President of the United States. The events unfolded dramatically in the midst of the American Civil War, as the nation grappled with the sudden loss of its leader and the uncertain future ahead.
Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth.
Died early in the morning after the attack.
Andrew Johnson was immediately sworn in as president.
Lincoln's assassination altered post-war reconstruction plans.
What Happened?
Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by actor John Wilkes Booth on the evening of April 14, 1865, while attending a performance of 'Our American Cousin' at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, entered the presidential box and shot Lincoln in the back of the head. Lincoln died early the next morning, marking a pivotal moment in American history, as he had played a crucial role in leading the country through the Civil War and working towards the abolition of slavery. The nation was in mourning as news of his assassination spread rapidly throughout the country.
In a swift response to Lincoln's death, Vice President Andrew Johnson was sworn in as the 17th President of the United States just hours later. Johnson, who had been a Southern Unionist from Tennessee, faced the daunting task of leading a nation fractured by war and now mourning the loss of its leader. His presidency would prove controversial, especially in regard to the Reconstruction policies he would implement in the post-war South. The impact of Lincoln's assassination and the transition to Johnson's presidency would resonate throughout American politics for years to come, as questions about leadership and the future direction of the nation hung heavily in the air.
The events following Lincoln’s assassination also involved a nationwide manhunt for Booth and his co-conspirators. Booth was ultimately tracked down and killed 12 days later. The assassination had profound implications for the relationship between the federal government and states, especially in the South as reconstruction efforts were implemented. Johnson’s leniency towards the Southern states raised tensions with Radical Republicans in Congress, leading to a turbulent period in American politics.
Why Does it Matter?
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln drastically altered the course of Reconstruction and American history. Lincoln's vision for a reconciliatory post-war policy was replaced by a much more conflicted and violent approach as Congress and the presidency clashed over how to manage the Southern states. It initiated a period of strife that would shape race relations and civil rights for generations. The event is often viewed as a turning point in the struggle for civil rights in America.