lecture recording on 16 January 2025 at 10.47.18 AM

Chapter 1: Introduction to John Wilkes Booth

John Wilkes Booth: a racist supremacist and conspirator.
- He plotted to assassinate the three heads of the executive branch: the President, Vice President, and Secretary of State.
Confederate context: Booth knew of approximately 20,000 armed Confederate soldiers hiding in North Carolina, hoping to spark a second civil war.
- His plan was to confuse the government with these assassinations, inspiring soldiers to act.
The Target: Abraham Lincoln was scheduled to attend a performance in Ford's Theater on April 14, 1865, creating the perfect opportunity for Booth.
- Booth's profession: actor, which aided him in gaining access to the theater.
- Lincoln had previously seen Booth perform in Ford's Theater.
Booth’s attempt to assassinate Lincoln:
- He knew the timing of the comedic scenes would mask the gunshot sound.
Execution of the Plan:
- Booth presented his name to Lincoln's bodyguard, who allowed him access because Booth was a known actor.
- Booth successfully shot Lincoln but then broke his leg while jumping from the balcony.
Aftermath:
- Booth escaped and was killed two weeks later by the US Army.

Target profiles:
- Lincoln (Republican, Illinois), Seward (Republican, New York), Johnson (Democrat, Tennessee).
Political Significance: Lincoln replaced VP Hannibal Hamlin with Democrat Andrew Johnson to promote unity.
- Johnson was previously the military governor of Tennessee, viewed as trustworthy after the war.
Andrew Johnson's Presidency:
- Inheriting Lincoln's administration, he faced challenges from Radical Republicans.
- Johnson's policies tended to favor the South, leading to tensions with Congress.
- His racial supremacist beliefs significantly influenced his presidency.

Black Codes: Enforced to reestablish a form of slavery post-13th Amendment.
- Examples include laws directing penalties for "vagrancy" leading to forced labor without pay.
- Restrictions on ex-slaves: voting impediments through poll taxes and literacy tests.
Radical Republicans: Opposed Johnson, arguing that they should punish all Confederates.
- Johnson sought to protect wealthy ex-Confederates to weaken the Democratic Party.

Political Showdown:
- Johnson violated the Tenure of Office Act by attempting to fire Secretary of War Edwin Stanton without Senate consent.
- This action triggered impeachment articles against him.
Impeachment Process:
- Involves the House’s majority vote followed by a trial in the Senate.
- Johnson was acquitted by one vote, remaining in office but with a tarnished reputation.

Clinton's Controversies: Addressed in the context of personal and political failures.
- Denied relationships with Monica Lewinsky leading to perjury issues during the Clinton v. Jones lawsuit.
Political Dynamics:
- Clinton’s impeachment didn't lead to removal but damaged his reputation and affected Al Gore’s campaign.

Discovery of Truth: The scandal unraveling due to recorded conversations revealing his extramarital affair and subsequent denial under oath.
- Detailed accounts of Lewinsky’s involvement brought to light through recordings and a blue dress that became a key piece of evidence.

Impeachment Context: Discusses Trump's dealings with Ukraine and allegations of abuse of power regarding the 2020 election.
Political Implications:
- The impeachment process showcased deep partisan divides in Congress; impeachment by the House but acquittal by the Senate.
- Like previous impeachments leading to opposition party gains in subsequent elections.

Democratic Party Adjustments: Post-reconstruction issues related to martial law, racial tensions, and the inequities that followed.
- The legacy of black codes transforming into segregation laws reflecting a failure to achieve full racial equality.
Final Reflections: Emphasizes the pattern of impeachments leading to the opposite party's electoral victories and the continuation of systemic issues in governance.