Existing comment:
From Military Governor to Vice President:
In 1862, when Nashville was captured by Union forces during the Civil War, Lincoln appointed Johnson, the Southern unionist, to serve as Tennessee's military governor. Johnson had been given a very difficult task. How could he ensure the state's return to its position as a loyal member of the Union when most Tennesseans were opposed to it?
With few instructions on how to proceed, and having tried more peaceful approaches, he ruled using threats, intimidation, and banishment. For example, he required Tennesseans to sign an oath of loyalty to the Union as a condition for receiving business licenses and other permits related to many of the necessities of everyday life. |