Civil War - Historiography project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Civil War - Historiography project - Essay Example rovided encouragement for the South to ratify the 13th Amendment", and was able to secure political fortune when the Congress sustained his arguments against the Freedmans Bureau Act, and then suddenly he plunged in the shadow of darkness. As per McPherson, Andrew Johnson was "untouchable because of his great power, nothing, in their perception, can toss him from their lofty eminence; except for pride, which affects the brain; it gives one a false sense of invincibility; it leads one even to think one is more than human". It is therefore suspected that Johnson was confident about his total victory, and ignored the "recipes for a thundering fall" (Walter, 1907). McPherson has mentioned that in the political era of Andrew Johnson "crowds of supporters would march to the home of their leaders and call them to the window for an impromptu address" (Matthew, 2007). Johnson has delivered such addresses on different occasions, such as when the Congress approved resolutions which supported the plan for reconstruction proposed by Johnson. Andrew forwarded the proposal for relaxation of terms for admission of Southern to the Union. The President forwarded the theory of the Union, which highlighted that the greatness of this country existed in its unity and oneness. McPherson confirmed that George Washington, Lincoln and Andrew Jackson supported the existence and rights of Union. It was Johnson who forwarded the concept of "lenient return to political standing for the South" (Richard, 1990). McPherson has agreed that "historiography of Andrew Johnson has not been kind to him; this was because most of it was written by Northerners, sympathizers with th e more Radical Republicans". McPherson has revealed interesting observation with reference to the speeches of Johnson, "Johnsons language began in a rather conciliatory vein, and quickly turned to spite and vitriol". Anderson appreciated the sincerity and support of the Congress, the proposals forwarded by the President for the