Written by Background: Following the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, a Southern Democrat who remained loyal to the Union, became the 17th President of the United States. His lenient approach to Reconstruction, which aimed to restore the Southern states to the Union quickly with minimal conditions, clashed with the Republican-controlled Congress. Johnson opposed civil rights legislation designed to protect newly freed African Americans and repeatedly vetoed congressional Reconstruction measures.
What Happened: On February 24, 1867, the House of Representatives voted to impeach President Andrew Johnson, charging him with violating the Tenure of Office Act. The act required Senate approval for the removal of certain federal officials. Johnson had dismissed Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, a Radical Republican ally, without Senate approval, triggering the impeachment process. Though he was ultimately acquitted by just one vote in the Senate, Johnson’s impeachment trial was a significant moment in U.S. history.
Impact for the Future: Johnson’s impeachment set a precedent for the checks and balances between the executive and legislative branches. It also underscored the struggles of post-Civil War Reconstruction and highlighted the deep divisions in American politics regarding civil rights and presidential authority. The impeachment process would later serve as a reference for future cases, including those of Bill Clinton and Donald Trump.