US Constitution
Portrait of Thaddeus Stevens

Thaddeus Stevens

Leader of the Radical Republicans

Vital Statistics

Born: April 4, 1792

Died: August 11, 1868

Birthplace: Danville, Vermont

Spouses: 0

Children: 0

Biography

Thaddeus Stevens was a warrior for equality, a man of fierce conviction who wielded his power in Congress like a battle-axe. As the leader of the Radical Republicans, he was a relentless foe of slavery and a passionate champion for the rights of freedmen. During the drafting of the 14th and 15th Amendments, he was a driving political force, pushing for a more radical and transformative vision of reconstruction and suffrage. He fought to make America live up to its highest ideals.