Constitution Quote by Andrew Johnson
“I have lived among negroes, all my life, and I am for this Government with slavery under the Constitution as it is. I am for the Government of my fathers with negroes. I am for it without negroes. Before I would see this Government destroyed I would send every negro back to Africa, disintegrated and blotted out of space”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Reconstruction Era Address, 1865
He opposes slavery but also wants to remove Black people from the US, reflecting racist views of the time.
In simple terms: He wants a government without Black people.
Recognize how prejudice can shape policy.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- civil rights legislation
- education reform
- community dialogue
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does racism affect policy decisions?
- What are the moral costs of exclusion?
His stance ignores the humanity and rights of Black people.