Question

How did president johnson originally attempt to break up the southern aristocracy

Answer 1

Answer:

he limited those who could take the loyalty oath to people who were low level confederate officials or had less than $20,000 in property

Explanation:

In the past, The southern states were ruled from the background by a group of wealthy plantation owners who benefited from slavery.

By putting the $20,000 limit, president Johnson wanted to ensure that none of these rich plantation owners able to became a part of the union  (since they have much more than $20,000). He does not wanted the wealthy plantation owner to have further influence from the people and prevent them from initiating another conflict with the northern states.