Soon, the national debate turns to how to treat the defeated South. Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, is ratified. The Senate acquits him by one vote. Later, Republicans reject Johnson and nominate Ulysses S. Grant for president. He is elected.
Transcontinental railroad is completed.
U.S. wars against the Indians are in full swing on the plains. All Confederate states are back in the union, though most are ruled by Republican governments backed by federal troops. Fifteenth Amendment, giving black men over 21 the vote, is ratified. Fire destroys Chicago. Railroad chieftains dip into profits for their own rewards and financiers create a boom, then bust in gold.