Andrew Johnson became president following the assassination of President Lincoln in April 1865. In the beginning of his presidency, Johnson voiced his intentions to deal with the treasonous South harshly while assisting the former slaves with transition to freedom. However, Johnson failed to follow through with his intentions. It was later learned that he was a bitter racist that despised the notion of black equality. Rather than punish the southern states for their part in the secession and slavery, he came up with a plan to quickly reestablish the Southern governments and help restore the Union.
Laws known as Black Codes were passed following the restoration of state governments, starting with Mississippi and South Carolina. These laws limited
Laws known as Black Codes were passed following the restoration of state governments, starting with Mississippi and South Carolina. These laws limited