Truman Doctrine Word Search
April 2, 2026
This Andrew Johnson word search introduces students and history enthusiasts to America’s seventeenth president, who assumed office under extraordinary circumstances on April 15, 1865. Following Abraham Lincoln‘s assassination at Ford’s Theatre, Vice President Johnson suddenly became president during one of the nation’s most critical periods—the aftermath of the Civil War and the beginning of Reconstruction.
Andrew Johnson, born in North Carolina and raised in Tennessee, rose from humble beginnings as a self-taught tailor to become a powerful political figure. Despite being a Southern Democrat, he remained fiercely loyal to the Union when Tennessee seceded, earning Lincoln’s respect and ultimately a place on the 1864 National Union ticket. His presidency, however, proved tumultuous as he clashed dramatically with Radical Republicans in Congress over Reconstruction policies, favoring lenient treatment of former Confederates while opposing civil rights protections for newly freed African Americans.
This Andrew Johnson word search printable goes beyond a simple puzzle by providing comprehensive educational resources. Each of the 24 terms includes detailed 20-30 word definitions explaining their historical significance. The puzzle also features a FAQ section answering common questions about Johnson’s impeachment, his path to the presidency, and his controversial policies.
Additionally, a fascinating Did You Know section reveals surprising facts—including how Johnson appeared drunk at his own vice presidential inauguration and later became the only former president to return to the U.S. Senate.
Whether used in classrooms or for personal enrichment, this word search printable combines entertainment with meaningful historical learning about one of America’s most controversial presidents.
ACQUITTAL, AMNESTY, ANDREW, CIVIL WAR, CONGRESS, DEMOCRAT, ELIZA, FREEDMEN, IMPEACHED, JOHNSON, LINCOLN, PARDON, PRESIDENT, RADICAL, REBELLION, SENATE, SEWARD, SOUTH, STANTON, TAILOR, TENNESSEE, TENURE, UNION, VETO
ACQUITTAL – Johnson’s narrow escape from removal in 1868 when the Senate voted 35-19 to convict, falling one vote short of the two-thirds majority needed for conviction.
AMNESTY – Johnson’s controversial policy granting pardons to former Confederates who pledged loyalty oaths, allowing them to reclaim property and political rights, angering Radical Republicans seeking harsher Reconstruction measures.
ANDREW – His first name, shared with President Andrew Jackson, whose Democratic principles and populist approach Johnson admired and attempted to emulate throughout his political career in Tennessee.
CIVIL WAR – The 1861-1865 conflict between Union and Confederate states during which Johnson remained loyal to the Union despite Tennessee’s secession, leading to his vice presidency under Lincoln.
CONGRESS – The legislative body dominated by Radical Republicans who clashed with Johnson over Reconstruction policies, ultimately impeaching him for violating the Tenure of Office Act in 1868.
DEMOCRAT – Johnson’s lifelong political party affiliation, making him an awkward choice as Lincoln’s running mate on the 1864 National Union ticket designed to attract War Democrats.
ELIZA – Eliza McCardle Johnson, his wife who taught him writing and arithmetic, remained largely secluded due to tuberculosis during his presidency while daughter Martha served as hostess.
FREEDMEN – Formerly enslaved African Americans whose civil rights Johnson opposed protecting, vetoing the Freedmen’s Bureau Bill and Civil Rights Act, both eventually passed over his objections.
IMPEACHED – Johnson became the first U.S. president impeached by the House in 1868 for firing Secretary of War Stanton, violating the Tenure of Office Act protecting Cabinet members.
JOHNSON – The seventeenth president’s surname, succeeding to office after Lincoln’s assassination in April 1865, serving one tumultuous term marked by bitter conflicts over Reconstruction policies and impeachment.
LINCOLN – Abraham Lincoln, the president Johnson served under as vice president for only six weeks before Lincoln’s assassination thrust Johnson into the presidency during Reconstruction’s critical early phase.
PARDON – Johnson’s generous use of presidential clemency toward former Confederates, issuing thousands of individual pardons and broad amnesty proclamations that restored property rights and political participation to rebels.
PRESIDENT – The executive office Johnson assumed unexpectedly after Lincoln’s death, becoming the first vice president to succeed an assassinated president, serving from 1865 to 1869 amid unprecedented turmoil.
RADICAL – The Radical Republicans in Congress who advocated harsh Reconstruction measures, civil rights for freedmen, and punishing former Confederates, constantly battling Johnson’s lenient approach throughout his presidency.
REBELLION – The Confederate insurrection against federal authority that Johnson opposed despite being a Southern Democrat, remaining the only Southern senator to stay loyal to the Union.
SENATE – The upper chamber of Congress where Johnson’s impeachment trial occurred in 1868, ultimately acquitting him by a single vote, and where he later returned as Tennessee senator.
SEWARD – William Seward, Lincoln’s Secretary of State who continued serving under Johnson, negotiating the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867, often called “Seward’s Folly” by critics.
SOUTH – Johnson’s regional origin and political base in Tennessee, influencing his lenient Reconstruction policies favoring quick restoration of Southern states without guaranteeing freedmen’s rights or punishing former rebels.
STANTON – Edwin Stanton, Secretary of War whose firing by Johnson violated the Tenure of Office Act, triggering impeachment proceedings after Stanton barricaded himself in his office refusing to leave.
TAILOR – Johnson’s original profession before entering politics, never attending school but learning his trade as an apprentice, remaining proud of his working-class origins throughout his political career.
TENNESSEE – Johnson’s home state where he served as governor, congressman, and senator before becoming vice president, the only Southern state he prevented from seceding while serving as military governor.
TENURE – The Tenure of Office Act passed by Congress in 1867 requiring Senate approval to remove Cabinet members, specifically designed to protect Stanton and limit Johnson’s executive authority.
UNION – The federal government Johnson steadfastly supported during the Civil War despite being a Southern Democrat, earning him Lincoln’s vice presidential nomination to demonstrate bipartisan commitment to preservation.
VETO – Johnson’s frequent rejection of Congressional legislation, vetoing 29 bills including civil rights measures and Reconstruction acts, with Congress overriding 15 vetoes—a record showing their deep conflict.
ACQUITTAL, AMNESTY, ANDREW, CIVIL WAR, CONGRESS, DEMOCRAT, ELIZA, FREEDMEN, IMPEACHED, JOHNSON, LINCOLN, PARDON, PRESIDENT, RADICAL, REBELLION, SENATE, SEWARD, SOUTH, STANTON, TAILOR, TENNESSEE, TENURE, UNION, VETO
Johnson was impeached in 1868 for violating the Tenure of Office Act by firing Secretary of War Edwin Stanton without Senate approval, defying Congress’s attempt to limit presidential power.
No. The Senate voted 35-19 to convict Johnson, falling one vote short of the two-thirds majority required for removal. He completed his term, serving until March 1869.
Johnson became president on April 15, 1865, after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. He had served as Lincoln’s vice president for only six weeks before suddenly assuming the presidency.
Johnson was a self-taught tailor from Tennessee who never attended school. He served as congressman, governor, and senator before becoming Lincoln’s vice president in 1865 on a unity ticket.
Johnson favored lenient treatment of former Confederates, offering generous pardons and opposing civil rights protections for freedmen. This approach clashed dramatically with Radical Republicans seeking harsher measures and equality.
For official administration records and historical biography, visit the Andrew Johnson page in the White House Archives. If you are planning a trip, visit the official Andrew Johnson National Historic Site.
Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln’s Legacy by David O. Stewart. A gripping narrative of the first presidential impeachment, exposing how Johnson’s stubbornness undermined Reconstruction and racial justice.
Completely self-taught, Johnson’s wife Eliza McCardle taught him writing and arithmetic after their marriage. He educated himself by having employees read to him while working in his tailor shop.
On March 4, 1865, Johnson delivered a rambling, incoherent speech after drinking whiskey to combat illness. The embarrassing incident mortified Lincoln and nearly derailed Johnson’s political career immediately.
In 1875, Tennessee elected Johnson back to the U.S. Senate, making him the only former president to serve as senator. He died just months later after suffering a stroke.
Following his wishes, Johnson was buried with his body wrapped in an American flag and his head resting on a copy of the U.S. Constitution, symbols of his unwavering devotion.
Initially accusing Confederate president Davis of conspiring in Lincoln’s assassination, Johnson posted a massive reward for his capture. Davis was eventually caught but never tried for Lincoln’s murder conspiracy.
