Andrew Johnson

In this compelling audiobook, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed explores the tumultuous presidency of Andrew Johnson, who unexpectedly ascended to power following Lincoln's assassination. Tasked with unifying a nation scarred by the Civil War, Johnson clashed with a Congress dominated by Radical Republicans, ultimately leading to his impeachment. Gordon-Reed highlights Johnson's contentious vision of reconciliation and his failure to address the needs of former slaves, culminating in a dramatic Senate trial where he was acquitted by a mere vote. This account reveals how Johnson's presidency represented a pivotal missed opportunity for the nation, leaving enduring challenges in its wake.