The Presidents Season 1 Episode 4 1865 - 1885

The Presidents is a documentary series that explores the lives and legacies of every U.S. president. Season 1 episode 4, titled "1865-1885," covers the period of American history immediately after the Civil War, through the Gilded Age and into the early years of the Industrial Revolution.

The episode begins by examining the presidency of Andrew Johnson, who took office after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865. Johnson, a Southern Democrat, clashed with Congressional Republicans over Reconstruction policies and was ultimately impeached by the House of Representatives in 1868, though he was acquitted by the Senate.

Next, the focus shifts to the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant, who served from 1869-1877. Grant, a hero of the Union Army, faced significant challenges during his time in office, including corruption scandals, economic depression, and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan. The episode explores how Grant's administration tried to address these issues through legislation, such as the Enforcement Acts and the Civil Rights Act of 1875, but ultimately failed to fully protect the rights of black Americans.

The episode also delves into the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes, who served from 1877-1881. Hayes won a controversial electoral victory in 1876, and his administration was marked by efforts to reform the civil service and continue the process of Reconstruction in the South. The episode discusses how Hayes's efforts were largely stymied by conservative Democrats, leading to a compromise in which federal troops were withdrawn from Southern states in exchange for allowing Democrats to take control of state governments.

Finally, the episode explores the presidency of James A. Garfield, who served for just six months in 1881 before being assassinated. Garfield, a Republican, had a promising agenda that included civil service and education reforms, but his short time in office meant that he was unable to accomplish much. The episode discusses how Garfield's assassination led to the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which aimed to end the practice of political patronage in government hiring.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to interviews with historians and scholars who provide context and analysis on the events and figures covered. The Presidents also utilizes archival footage and photographs to bring the history to life, and the episode's pacing is brisk and engaging. By the end of "1865-1885," viewers will have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the U.S. during this period of significant transformation and growth, as well as the differing leadership styles and approaches of the presidents who grappled with those challenges.