Constitutional Crisis and Impeachment of a President - The Civil War and Reconstruction - Lecture 22

Explore the political complexities of Reconstruction in this 52-minute lecture from Yale University's "The Civil War and Reconstruction" course. Delve into President Andrew Johnson's lenient approach towards the South, the Republican Congress's push for more radical reforms, and the resulting constitutional crisis. Examine the passage of crucial legislation like the Civil Rights bill and the Fourteenth Amendment, as well as the Reconstruction Acts. Analyze the impact of the 1866 Congressional elections and Johnson's controversial speaking tour on Radical control of Congress. Understand the escalating conflict between Johnson and Congress that ultimately led to his impeachment in 1868. Gain insights into this pivotal period of American history that reshaped citizenship, civil rights, and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.