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1866 National Union Convention facts for kids

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The National Union Convention was a big meeting held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in August 1866. It was also known by other names like the Loyalist Convention. People gathered there to show support for the US President at the time, Andrew Johnson.

Why the 1866 National Union Convention Happened

This important meeting was organized in Philadelphia before the mid-year elections of 1866. Its main purpose was to gain political support for Andrew Johnson, who was the US President. President Johnson was facing criticism from some members of the Republican Party.

President Johnson's supporters wanted to rally people behind his plans for Reconstruction. This was the period after the American Civil War when the country was trying to rebuild and reunite. Johnson's ideas were seen as very forgiving towards the Southern states. Some people at the convention even hoped to start a brand new political party, but this goal was not achieved.

The delegates met in a special building that was quickly put together for the event. It was called "the Wigwam" and was designed to hold thousands of people. This huge structure was located on Girard Avenue in Philadelphia, near Girard College.

About 7,000 important politicians and activists came to the convention. At the very beginning, representatives from different states, like General Darius Nash Couch from Massachusetts and Governor James Lawrence Orr from South Carolina, walked arm-in-arm. This act was meant to show that the country was coming back together and that everyone was equal.

The meeting officially began when US Postmaster General Alexander Randall called it to order. General John Adams Dix, who had been a governor and senator for New York, served as the temporary leader. Later, Senator James R. Doolittle from Wisconsin became the permanent president of the convention.

In the end, the convention did not succeed in uniting the country behind President Johnson. After the convention, he went on a speaking tour across the country. This tour was called the "Swing Around the Circle". President Johnson hoped to win back public and political support. However, the tour did not go well for him. It actually made Congress feel stronger in their opposition to him. Eventually, Congress tried to remove him from office in 1868.

Key People at the Convention

Many important figures attended the National Union Convention. Here are some of the notable attendees:

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