Adversaries Quote by Andrew Johnson
“If you could extend the elective franchise to all persons of color who can read the Constitution of the United States in English and write their names and to all persons of color who own real estate valued at not less than two hundred and fifty dollars and pay taxes thereon, and would completely disarm the adversary. This you can do with perfect safety. And as a consequence, the radicals, who are wild upon negro franchise, will be completely foiled in their attempts to keep the Southern States from renewing their relations to the Union.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Reconstruction Era Address, 1865
Extending voting rights to property‑owning people of color who can read and write the Constitution would neutralize opposition and strengthen union.
In simple terms: Voting rights tied to literacy and property could suppress dissent.
Key Takeaway
Consider broader, inclusive suffrage.
Themes
politics
rights
reconstruction
race
property
Mood
historical
critical
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- post‑civil war elections
- property qualifications
- education reforms
- tax policies
Key Concepts
citizenship
democratic legitimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is restricting suffrage by property fair?
- What alternatives ensure both security and inclusion?
A Different Perspective
Excludes those without property or literacy, perpetuating inequality.
