Question

Which option most effectively analyzes an immediate and a long-term effect of the assassination of President Lincoln?

A) An immediate effect was the impeachment of Vice President Andrew Johnson; a long-term effect was enhanced security measures at all public playhouses.

B) An immediate effect was the trial of John Wilkes Booth; a long-term effect was a vacancy in the office of the presidency.

C) An immediate effect was the Civil Rights Act of 1866; a long-term effect was Johnson’s support for citizenship and voting rights for African Americans.

D) An immediate effect was Andrew Johnson’s ascension to the presidency; a long-term effect was conflict between Johnson and Radical Republicans.

Answer 1

The correct option is D. An immediate effect was Andrew Johnson’s ascension to the presidency; a long-term effect was conflict between Johnson and Radical Republicans.

After the assassination of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, on April 14, 1865, Vice President Andrew Johnson became President. Although at first, he appeared to be a Radical, he broke with them, mainly because of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and four Reconstruction Acts, involving him in a bitter struggle with Radical Republicans.

In such political struggle, the Radical Republicans, who had full control of Congress, were able to override 15 of the 21 bills passed by Congress, which Johnson had vetoed.