Profiles in Courage

Part 3 takes place in the decade following the conclusion of the Civil War. The country remains deeply divided between Republicans and Democrats over the administration and reintegration of the former Confederate states back into the Union. Although most of the former Confederate politicians and secessionists are no longer in office, the conflict along party lines has only intensified. In addition to this, Kennedy notes that the Senate has declined in stature in the postbellum period, in part due to the resurgence of the powers of the President, following Andrew Johnson's 1868 impeachment. However, Kennedy broadly judges the Senate as more materialistic and dissolute in character, yet nonetheless dominated by party politics and regional enmity. Kansas Republican Senator Edmund G. Ross' vote against President Andrew Johnson, a Democrat, represents an important example of political courage against both of these trends. Ross' decision proves to be a powerful example of conscience, in the face of political pressure. Despite his own strong opposition to President Johnson's policy and demeanor, Senator Ross comes to believe that the impeachment is politically-motivated; he refuses to vote to remove President Johnson from office. Consequently, Senator Ross is voted out of office for failing to go along with the designs of the Republican party.