The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson

Introduction to Andrew Johnson's Presidency

Andrew Johnson was the 17th president of the United States, serving from 1865 to 1869. He succeeded Abraham Lincoln after his assassination and became the first president to be impeached by the US Congress. Johnson's impeachment was a highly controversial event, and it had significant implications for the presidency and the country as a whole.

Conflict with Radical Republicans

Johnson's impeachment was primarily a result of his opposition to the Radical Republicans' Reconstruction policies. After the Civil War, the Radical Republicans sought to ensure that the newly freed slaves were protected and given full citizenship rights. Johnson, however, was a Southern Democrat who opposed many of the Radical Republicans' proposals.

Veto of the Civil Rights Act of 1866

Johnson's veto of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 was the final straw for the Radical Republicans. The act was designed to protect the newly freed slaves' civil rights, including their right to own property, make contracts, and access the courts. Johnson vetoed the bill, claiming that it was unconstitutional and violated states' rights.

The Reconstruction Act of 1867

The Radical Republicans responded by passing the Reconstruction Act of 1867, which removed the Southern states' autonomy and placed them under military rule. The act also required the Southern states to draft new constitutions that guaranteed civil rights to all citizens, regardless of race. Johnson opposed this act as well and attempted to block its implementation.

Move Toward Impeachment

In response to Johnson's opposition to their policies, the Radical Republicans sought to impeach him. They accused him of violating the Tenure of Office Act, which had been passed in 1867. The act required the president to seek Senate approval before removing any federal officials from office. Johnson had removed Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton without Senate approval, leading to his impeachment.

The Impeachment Trial

The impeachment trial began on March 30, 1868, and lasted for several months. The House of Representatives served as the prosecution team, and Johnson's defense team consisted of his personal lawyers. The trial was highly contentious, and Johnson narrowly avoided being removed from office. The final vote in the Senate was 35 in favor of conviction and 19 against, one vote short of the two-thirds majority needed to remove him from office.

Impeachment

Aftermath and Historical Impact

Despite Johnson's acquittal, the impeachment trial had a significant impact on the presidency and the country as a whole. It established the principle that the president could be held accountable for his actions and that he was not above the law. It also highlighted the tensions between the executive and legislative branches of government and the importance of maintaining a balance of power between them.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why did Congress and President Johnson disagree about how to rebuild the South after the Civil War?
  2. What was the Civil Rights Act of 1866, and why did Johnson veto it?
  3. What was the purpose of the Reconstruction Act of 1867?
  4. Why was Johnson impeached, and what was the result of his trial?

Andrew Johnson Becomes President

Andrew Johnson became the 17th president of the United States in 1865 after President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. He was the first U.S. president to be impeached, and his time in office was filled with disagreements and challenges.

Disagreement with Congress

After the Civil War, Congress, especially a group called the Radical Republicans, wanted to protect the rights of newly freed African Americans. Johnson, a Southern Democrat, disagreed with many of their ideas and opposed giving full rights to freed slaves.

Johnson Vetoes Civil Rights Law

Johnson vetoed the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which was meant to protect African Americans' rights. Congress overruled his veto and passed the law anyway.

Reconstruction Act and Military Rule

Congress then passed the Reconstruction Act of 1867, which put Southern states under military control and required them to allow African Americans to vote. Johnson tried to stop this, which made Congress even more upset.

Impeachment of Johnson

Johnson removed a government official without Senate approval, breaking a law called the Tenure of Office Act. Congress impeached him, but the Senate vote fell one short of removing him from office.

Lasting Impact

Although Johnson stayed in office, his impeachment showed that a president could be held responsible for going against Congress. It also showed how hard it was to balance power between the president and lawmakers.
Impeachment of Andrew Johnson Activities