Which of the following were actions that motivated Radical Republicans to seek the
impeachment of President Johnson? Choose all that apply.
(2 points)
President Johnson encouraged former Confederate states to reject the Fourteenth Amendment.
President Johnson helped write the new state constitutions.
President Johnson often lost his temper during speaking engagements.
President Johnson fired several military commanders who supported Radical Reconstruction.
To determine which of the following were actions that motivated Radical Republicans to seek the impeachment of President Johnson, we need to analyze each statement.
1. "President Johnson encouraged former Confederate states to reject the Fourteenth Amendment."
This statement is accurate. President Johnson actively opposed the Fourteenth Amendment, which aimed to grant citizenship rights and equal protection under the law to African Americans. His opposition to this amendment was a significant motivator for Radical Republicans to seek his impeachment.
2. "President Johnson helped write the new state constitutions."
This statement is untrue. President Johnson did not actively participate in writing the new state constitutions of the former Confederate states. In fact, the Radical Republicans found fault with the new constitutions crafted by those states because they lacked sufficient protection for African Americans' rights.
3. "President Johnson often lost his temper during speaking engagements."
While President Johnson's temperament was sometimes volatile, his temper alone was not a primary motivation for the Radical Republicans' push for his impeachment. Their main concerns focused on his opposition to civil rights legislation and his attempts to undermine the Reconstruction policies implemented by Congress.
4. "President Johnson fired several military commanders who supported Radical Reconstruction."
This statement is accurate. President Johnson dismissed several military commanders who supported Radical Reconstruction and the policies set forth by the Radical Republicans. His clashes with these commanders and his attempts to undermine their authority further fueled the Radical Republicans' motivation to seek his impeachment.
Therefore, the actions that motivated Radical Republicans to seek the impeachment of President Johnson were:
- President Johnson encouraged former Confederate states to reject the Fourteenth Amendment.
- President Johnson fired several military commanders who supported Radical Reconstruction.
Please note that specific historical events and motivations can be complex, and this response is a simplified explanation. For a more detailed understanding, it is recommended to consult scholarly sources.