When Andrew Johnson was born, his parents were too poor to send him to school. He never did go to school. He taught himself to read when he was 14. He did not learn to write until after he was married.

When he was 14, Andrew Johnson and his brother were sold as servants to a tailor. The tailor gave them food, clothing, and a place to live. Andrew learned how to be a tailor.

When Lincoln was elected as president for a second term, Johnson was elected vice-president. When Abraham Lincoln was killed, Johnson became president. The Civil War was just ending.

Andrew Johnson tried to help the South rejoin the Union. Many in Congress did not like the way Johnson helped the southern states. They felt Johnson was too nice to the southerners.

This led to Andrew Johnson’s impeachment. Johnson was the first president in history to be impeached. Impeached means that he was fired as President. He was not re-elected to another term.

In 1867 while Johnson was president, the United States bought Alaska from Russia.

Even though he never went to school, Johnson was a very good speaker. He liked to go to the circus, grow vegetables in his garden, and play checkers.