What was the immediate effect on the nation’s leadership after Lincoln's death?

• A. The Speaker of the House became acting president
• B. Vice President Andrew Johnson became acting president and then president
• C. The Secretary of State became acting president
• D. The President of the Senate became acting president

Answer: (B)

When a president dies, the Vice President steps into the top role. This means the Vice President becomes acting president immediately and then becomes the actual president once sworn in. After Lincoln was assassinated, Vice President Andrew Johnson assumed the duties of the presidency and was sworn in as the 17th President on the same day. This shift changed the nation’s leadership at the highest level during a pivotal moment in the Civil War and beginning Reconstruction. The other offices listed do not automatically take over the presidency in this situation.