Andrew Johnson (apr 15, 1865 – mar 3, 1869)

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Opposed the abolition of slavery and opposed measures to help former slaves.

Clashed with Congress over Reconstruction and was impeached. Remained President until 1869 with little popularity or credibility.

Once southerners had sworn an oath of loyalty to the Union they could elect state assemblies which would ratify (officially approve) the Thirteenth Amendment. With a sympathetic president, the new state assemblies had the confidence to pass highly discriminatory Black Codes.

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