President Andrew Johnson played a significant role in Black history during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. Johnson, who became president after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, had a contentious relationship with Congress over the issue of civil rights for newly freed African Americans.

Despite being a Unionist who supported the abolition of slavery, Johnson's policies and actions during Reconstruction were often seen as hostile towards the rights and freedoms of Black Americans. He opposed efforts to grant equal rights and protections to freed slaves, and his lenient approach towards former Confederate states and leaders allowed for the enactment of discriminatory Black Codes that restricted the rights of African Americans.

Johnson also clashed with Congress over the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the 14th Amendment, which aimed to grant citizenship and equal protection under the law to all Americans, regardless of race. His opposition to these measures, along with his support for Southern states' rights, further strained his relationship with Congress and stalled progress towards racial equality in the post-war South.

Ultimately, Johnson's presidency and policies highlighted the ongoing struggle for civil rights and racial equality in America, and his actions paved the way for the eventual undoing of Reconstruction gains for African Americans in the South.