Why Was Johnson Picked as Lincoln’s Running Mate in 1864? And Why Did the Moon Suddenly Turn Blue That Year?

The 1864 United States presidential election was a pivotal moment in American history, occurring during the height of the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln, the incumbent president, faced immense challenges as he sought re-election. One of the most intriguing aspects of his campaign was the selection of Andrew Johnson, a Southern Democrat, as his running mate. This decision was not made lightly and was influenced by a variety of political, strategic, and symbolic factors. Additionally, the peculiar phenomenon of the moon turning blue in 1864, though unrelated, adds an air of mystery to the historical narrative.

Political Unity and the National Union Party

One of the primary reasons Johnson was chosen as Lincoln’s running mate was to promote national unity. In 1864, Lincoln ran under the banner of the National Union Party, a temporary coalition of Republicans and War Democrats. The goal was to present a united front against the Confederacy and to demonstrate that the war effort was not merely a Republican endeavor but a national one. Johnson, a Democrat from Tennessee, was a staunch Unionist who had remained loyal to the Union despite being from a seceded state. His inclusion on the ticket symbolized the administration’s commitment to bridging the divide between North and South and between political parties.

Appealing to Border States and Southern Unionists

Another strategic reason for selecting Johnson was to appeal to voters in the border states and Southern Unionists. These regions were crucial to the Union’s war effort, and Lincoln needed to secure their support. Johnson’s background as a Southern Democrat who opposed secession made him an ideal candidate to attract voters in these areas. His presence on the ticket reassured border state voters that the administration was not solely dominated by Northern Republicans and that their interests would be represented.

Johnson’s Image as a War Democrat

Andrew Johnson’s reputation as a War Democrat also played a significant role in his selection. War Democrats were a faction within the Democratic Party that supported the Union war effort but opposed abolitionism. By choosing Johnson, Lincoln aimed to court this influential group, which could help secure votes from moderate Democrats who might otherwise be hesitant to support a Republican ticket. Johnson’s stance on slavery was more conservative than Lincoln’s, which further helped to balance the ticket and broaden its appeal.

Symbolism and the Reconstruction Agenda

Johnson’s selection was also symbolic of Lincoln’s vision for post-war Reconstruction. Lincoln sought to implement a lenient Reconstruction policy that would facilitate the reintegration of Southern states into the Union. Johnson, as a Southerner who had remained loyal to the Union, embodied this vision. His inclusion on the ticket signaled Lincoln’s commitment to a Reconstruction process that would be inclusive and forgiving, rather than punitive.

The Blue Moon of 1864: A Curious Coincidence

While the selection of Johnson was a calculated political move, the year 1864 also witnessed an unusual celestial event: a blue moon. Although the term “blue moon” today refers to the second full moon in a calendar month, in 1864, it was used more colloquially to describe a rare and unexpected event. The moon did not literally turn blue, but the phrase captured the public’s imagination and became a metaphor for the extraordinary circumstances of the time. The Civil War, the election, and the blue moon all contributed to a sense of historical significance and unpredictability.

Conclusion

The decision to choose Andrew Johnson as Lincoln’s running mate in 1864 was a multifaceted one, driven by the need for political unity, strategic electoral considerations, and symbolic representation of Lincoln’s Reconstruction goals. Johnson’s background as a Southern Democrat and War Democrat made him an ideal candidate to balance the ticket and appeal to a broad spectrum of voters. Meanwhile, the blue moon of 1864, though unrelated, added a layer of intrigue to an already momentous year in American history.

Related Q&A

Q: Why did Lincoln choose a Democrat as his running mate?
A: Lincoln chose Andrew Johnson, a Democrat, to promote national unity and appeal to War Democrats and Southern Unionists, broadening the appeal of the National Union Party.

Q: What was the significance of the National Union Party in 1864?
A: The National Union Party was a coalition of Republicans and War Democrats formed to present a united front during the Civil War and to support Lincoln’s re-election.

Q: How did Johnson’s background influence his selection?
A: Johnson’s background as a Southern Democrat who remained loyal to the Union made him a symbolic choice, representing Lincoln’s vision for a lenient and inclusive Reconstruction.

Q: Was the blue moon of 1864 a real astronomical event?
A: The term “blue moon” in 1864 was more of a colloquial expression for a rare event rather than an actual astronomical phenomenon. The moon did not literally turn blue.

Q: How did Johnson’s selection impact the election?
A: Johnson’s selection helped Lincoln secure votes from border states and moderate Democrats, contributing to his re-election and the continued Union war effort.