The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson ends with his acquittal by one vote.
The impeachment of Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, was a significant event in American history. It was the first impeachment of a sitting U.S. president, occurring in 1868.
Background
Post-Civil War Tensions: Andrew Johnson became president after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in April 1865. The nation was grappling with the challenges of Reconstruction, the period following the Civil War, during which the Southern states were to be reintegrated into the Union.
Johnson’s Policies: Johnson, a Southern Democrat who had been loyal to the Union, advocated for lenient Reconstruction policies. He frequently clashed with the Radical Republicans in Congress, who sought stricter measures to protect the rights of newly freed African Americans and to restructure Southern society.
Reasons for Impeachment
Tenure of Office Act: One of the key issues leading to Johnson’s impeachment was his violation of the Tenure of Office Act, which was passed by Congress in 1867. This law restricted the president’s power to remove certain officeholders without the Senate’s approval.
Dismissal of Edwin M. Stanton: Johnson’s decision to dismiss Edwin M. Stanton, the Secretary of War and an ally of the Radical Republicans, in February 1868, was seen as a direct violation of the Tenure of Office Act. This action provided the primary basis for his impeachment.
Impeachment Proceedings
House of Representatives: On February 24, 1868, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Andrew Johnson. The vote was 126 to 47 in favor of impeachment.
Articles of Impeachment: The House drafted 11 articles of impeachment, primarily focusing on Johnson’s violation of the Tenure of Office Act and his attempts to undermine Congressional Reconstruction policies.
Senate Trial: The trial in the Senate began in March 1868, with Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase presiding. The trial lasted for several months, and Johnson’s defense argued that the Tenure of Office Act was unconstitutional and that his removal of Stanton was lawful.
Outcome
Acquittal: On May 16 and May 26, 1868, the Senate voted on three of the articles of impeachment. Johnson was acquitted by one vote each time, falling short of the two-thirds majority required for conviction (35 guilty to 19 not guilty). Seven Republican senators broke ranks and voted for acquittal, believing that the impeachment was politically motivated and concerned about setting a dangerous precedent.
Significance
Constitutional Impact: The impeachment of Andrew Johnson set an important precedent for the limits of executive power and the process of impeachment. It highlighted the delicate balance between the legislative and executive branches of the U.S. government.
Reconstruction Era: The event also underscored the intense political and social struggles during the Reconstruction era, reflecting the deep divisions in American society following the Civil War.