Secondary sourceBook1866

The Usurpation

George S. Boutwell · 1866

An 1866 essay by Radical Republican George S. Boutwell accusing President Andrew Johnson of usurping Congress's power over Reconstruction.

This essay is a direct contemporary attack on Johnson's presidency, written by one of his political opponents.

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What it is

This is a written essay titled The Usurpation, composed in 1866 by George S. Boutwell, a Radical Republican politician.

Why it matters

The essay attacks Andrew Johnson directly, accusing him of being driven by fear, hatred, and ambition, and of overstepping his authority during Reconstruction. It reflects the deep conflict between Johnson and Congress that led to his impeachment, and shows how fiercely his opponents viewed his character and policies.

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What words does Boutwell use to describe Johnson's character, and what do they tell you about the author's point of view?
Why might a political opponent write such a harsh essay, and how might Johnson have responded?
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