Which of the following were actions that motivated rational Republicans to seek the embarrassment of President Johnson choose all that apply
To determine the actions that motivated rational Republicans to seek the embarrassment of President Johnson, we would need to analyze historical events during the presidency of Andrew Johnson, particularly regarding political dynamics and conflicts.
Here are some potential actions that are commonly associated with Republicans seeking to embarrass President Johnson:
1. Impeachment: One of the most significant actions taken by Republicans against President Johnson was the impeachment proceedings initiated by the U.S. House of Representatives in 1868. Motivated by grievances over Johnson's policies and governance, Republicans sought to embarrass him through the impeachment process.
2. Opposition to Reconstruction Policies: President Johnson's approach to post-Civil War Reconstruction was met with resistance from many Republicans. The Republican Party, which was predominantly Northern and held more progressive views on civil rights, sought to enforce stronger measures to protect the rights of newly freed slaves. Frustrated by Johnson's attempts to roll back these policies, Republicans were motivated to challenge and potentially embarrass him.
3. Radical Republicans' Agenda: Some Radical Republicans within the party, who held more extreme views on issues such as civil rights and land redistribution, sought to expose President Johnson's alleged sympathies towards former Confederate leaders. They believed that by embarrassing Johnson, they could push for more radical policies and marginalize his influence.
4. Political Posturing: Like in any political landscape, there might have been Republicans who sought to score political points by embarrassing the president. They could have exploited Johnson's controversies and disagreements to tarnish his reputation and gain favor with constituents.
Please note that these actions are based on historical analysis, and opinions may differ regarding the motivations and consequences of these events. To understand the full context and motivations behind Republicans seeking to embarrass President Johnson, it is recommended to refer to historical sources and analysis from reputable scholarly works or books on the subject.