Review: The Impeachers: The Trial of Andrew Johnson and the Dream of a Just Nation by Brenda Wineapple

Title: The Impeachers: The Trial of Andrew Johnson and the Dream of a Just Nation
Author: Brenda Wineapple
Publisher: Random House
Publication Date: May 21, 2019
Edition: Hardcover (576 pages)
Genres:

• Nonfiction
• American History
• Politics

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brenda Wineapple tells the story of the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson, Vice President, who became President of the United States upon the death of President Abraham Lincoln in April, 1865. History often refers to him as the accidental President. He assumed the presidency at a time when the Civil War had just ended, and the nation was still torn apart as to whether African Americans should have complete freedom and how the South should be treated following their defeat.

I read this book because I wanted to learn more about President Andrew Johnson. Of course he is mentioned in history books, but more as an after thought than a figure who underwent an impeachment action. I learned much from reading this account. Andrew Johnson was a man who continually made end runs around Congress. He promoted white supremacy and pardoned insurrectionists. He also opposed civil rights and reconstruction. I recommend this book to anyone interested in this period of United States history. It is long and detailed, but also filled with much information, and the political atmosphere of the times.