8.2 The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson
3 min read•august 15, 2024
's impeachment marked a pivotal moment in Reconstruction. The president's clashes with over policies for freed slaves led to a constitutional crisis. Johnson's attempt to fire Secretary of War Stanton violated the , triggering impeachment.
The trial exposed deep divisions in Congress and tested the limits of presidential power. Johnson's narrow acquittal preserved the separation of powers but weakened Radical Republicans. This event shaped the future of Reconstruction and set precedents for impeachment proceedings.
Impeachment of Andrew Johnson
Political Tensions and Legal Challenges
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- Tenure of Office Act of 1867 prohibited presidential removal of certain office holders without Senate approval
- Johnson's opposition to Congressional Reconstruction policies created tension with Radical Republicans
- Vetoed Freedmen's Bureau Bill and Civil Rights Act of 1866
- Inflammatory rhetoric during "" speaking tour in 1866 antagonized political opponents
- Attempted removal of Secretary of War violated Tenure of Office Act
- Served as immediate trigger for impeachment proceedings
- Growing ideological divide over Reconstruction policy
- Disagreements on rights and status of freed slaves (voting rights, land ownership)
- Political motivations of Radical Republicans
- Desired to replace Johnson with more sympathetic president (potentially Ben Wade)
Constitutional Context and Motivations
- Impeachment highlighted struggle for power between executive and legislative branches
- Raised questions about limits of presidential authority during Reconstruction
- Set precedent for impeachment as political tool
- Influenced future conflicts between Congress and presidents (Nixon, Clinton)
- Exposed deep ideological divisions within Republican Party
- (differing views on pace and extent of reforms)
- Tested Constitutional mechanisms for removing a president
- Provided insights into practical application of rarely-used provisions ()
Impeachment Trial Events
Proceedings and Key Arguments
- House of Representatives voted to impeach Johnson on February 24, 1868
- 11 focused on Tenure of Office Act violation
- presided over by Chief Justice
- Lasted from March 5 to May 26, 1868
- Prosecution led by House managers (, )
- Argued Johnson's actions constituted ""
- Defense team included and
- Contended Tenure of Office Act was unconstitutional
- Argued president's actions were within constitutional authority
Witness Testimony and Constitutional Debate
- Key witnesses provided crucial evidence
- Edwin Stanton (former Secretary of War)
- General
- Intense debate over constitutional balance of power
- Executive vs. legislative authority during Reconstruction
- Defense argued impeachment reserved for grave offenses against the state
- Not for policy disagreements or political conflicts
- Trial highlighted differing interpretations of presidential powers
- Johnson's unilateral actions vs. Congressional oversight
Impeachment's Constitutional Implications
Separation of Powers and Precedent
- Reinforced high bar for removing a sitting president
- Emphasized importance of clear evidence of "high crimes and misdemeanors"
- Preserved principle of separation of powers
- Prevented easy removal of presidents by Congress
- Influenced future impeachment proceedings
- Shaped understanding of impeachable offenses (Clinton impeachment, Trump impeachments)
Political Consequences and Party Dynamics
- Exposed vulnerabilities in the two-party system
- Highlighted potential for partisan motivations in impeachment process
- Affected public perception of government institutions
- Raised questions about stability of executive branch
- Influenced future interactions between presidents and Congress
- Increased scrutiny of executive actions and appointments
Johnson's Acquittal and Reconstruction
Acquittal and Its Immediate Impact
- Johnson acquitted by a single vote
- 35 senators voted to convict, 19 to acquit (fell short of two-thirds majority)
- Moderate Republican senators broke party ranks
- Edmund G. Ross of Kansas and others cited concerns about long-term consequences
- Weakened Radical Republicans' ability to implement their vision
- Johnson continued to obstruct policies during remaining time in office
Long-term Effects on Reconstruction
- Shift in Reconstruction strategy
- Republicans focused more on constitutional amendments and legislative action
- Less confrontation with executive branch (14th and 15th Amendments)
- Contributed to waning of Radical Reconstruction
- Demonstrated limits of congressional power
- Challenges in sustaining aggressive reform policies
- Johnson left politically weakened
- Unable to significantly influence Reconstruction policy in final months
- Altered trajectory of civil rights progress
- Slowed implementation of reforms for freed slaves (education initiatives, land redistribution)
Key Terms to Review (22)
Andrew Johnson: Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States, serving from 1865 to 1869, after Abraham Lincoln's assassination. His presidency was marked by a tumultuous approach to Reconstruction, where he clashed with Congress over the rights of freed slaves and the reintegration of Southern states following the Civil War. Johnson’s leniency towards the South and opposition to radical measures led to significant political conflict and his eventual impeachment.
Article II, Section 4: Article II, Section 4 of the United States Constitution provides the grounds for impeachment of the President, Vice President, and all civil officers of the United States. It states that these officials can be removed from office for committing 'Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.' This clause is fundamental in maintaining accountability in the highest offices of government and plays a crucial role during instances of political conflict and corruption.
Articles of impeachment: Articles of impeachment are formal charges or allegations against a public official, typically a president, accusing them of misconduct or violations of law. This process is a constitutional mechanism for Congress to remove an official from office, highlighting serious grievances that warrant such action. In the case of Andrew Johnson, the articles of impeachment were rooted in political tensions and his opposition to Reconstruction efforts, setting a critical precedent for the use of impeachment in American politics.
Benjamin Butler: Benjamin Butler was a Union general during the Civil War and a prominent political figure, particularly known for his role in the Reconstruction era. He gained notoriety for his controversial actions, including the enforcement of emancipation policies and his leadership in New Orleans, which significantly influenced the military and political landscape of the time.
Benjamin Curtis: Benjamin Curtis was an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1857 to 1862, known for his dissenting opinions in significant cases, particularly those related to slavery and civil rights. His views often placed him at odds with the prevailing opinions of the Court during a tumultuous period in American history, making him a notable figure in the context of the impeachment of Andrew Johnson.
Checks and balances: Checks and balances is a fundamental principle of governance that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to monitor and limit the actions of the others. This system promotes accountability and prevents abuse of power, creating a balance among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. In the context of political tensions and conflicts, it becomes essential for maintaining democracy and protecting individual rights.
Edwin Stanton: Edwin Stanton was an American lawyer and politician who served as the Secretary of War under President Abraham Lincoln and briefly under Andrew Johnson. He played a critical role in the implementation of military policies during the Civil War and was a key figure in the events surrounding the impeachment of Andrew Johnson, notably due to his opposition to Johnson's approach to Reconstruction and his support for Congressional authority.
Executive power: Executive power refers to the authority vested in the president or head of state to implement and enforce laws, manage the executive branch of government, and direct foreign policy. This power is crucial during times of crisis, as it enables swift decision-making and action. Throughout history, the scope and limits of executive power have sparked significant debate, especially during wartime and in relation to congressional authority.
High crimes and misdemeanors: High crimes and misdemeanors refer to a standard used in the United States Constitution for impeachment proceedings against federal officials, including the president. This term indicates serious misconduct or violations of law that warrant removal from office, though the specific definitions can vary and are subject to interpretation. The concept plays a crucial role in the political process, particularly during moments of significant conflict between branches of government.
House vote: A house vote refers to the process by which members of a legislative body, such as the House of Representatives, cast their votes on proposed legislation or other motions. This process is crucial in determining the outcome of bills and resolutions, particularly in moments of significant political tension, such as during impeachment proceedings.
Impact on Reconstruction Policies: The impact on reconstruction policies refers to the effects and influences that various political, social, and economic factors had on the strategies and decisions made to rebuild the South after the Civil War. This period saw intense debates about how to reintegrate Southern states, protect the rights of freed slaves, and address the underlying causes of the war, ultimately shaping the trajectory of American society for decades to come.
John Bingham: John Bingham was a prominent American politician and lawyer, known for his role as a key architect of the 14th Amendment and for leading the impeachment proceedings against President Andrew Johnson. His legal expertise and commitment to civil rights significantly influenced the Reconstruction era, as he aimed to protect the rights of newly freed African Americans through constitutional amendments.
Johnson's Acquittal: Johnson's acquittal refers to the outcome of the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, in 1868, where he was found not guilty by a single vote. This trial was a significant moment in American history, reflecting the deep divisions within Congress and the nation during Reconstruction. Johnson's acquittal highlighted the contentious political climate of the time and set a precedent regarding the limits of presidential power and congressional authority in matters of impeachment.
Johnson's Address to Congress: Johnson's Address to Congress refers to President Andrew Johnson's speeches and statements made before Congress in 1865, particularly regarding his plans for Reconstruction following the Civil War. These addresses were crucial in outlining his lenient approach towards the Southern states and emphasized his belief in rapid reintegration without harsh penalties for former Confederates, setting the stage for significant political conflict.
Moderates vs. Radical Republicans: Moderates and Radical Republicans were two factions within the Republican Party during the Reconstruction era, with differing approaches to rebuilding the South and integrating formerly enslaved people into society. Moderates sought a more lenient and pragmatic approach to Reconstruction, favoring reconciliation and gradual change, while Radical Republicans pushed for a more aggressive stance, advocating for civil rights, the protection of African Americans, and harsher measures against the South. Their conflicting views ultimately shaped policies and the political landscape of the period.
Radical Republicans: The Radical Republicans were a faction within the Republican Party during and after the Civil War, known for their strong opposition to slavery and their commitment to civil rights for freed slaves. They sought to impose strict policies on the Southern states during Reconstruction, aiming to secure political rights and social equality for African Americans, often clashing with more moderate leaders and presidents.
Salmon P. Chase: Salmon P. Chase was a prominent American politician and abolitionist who served as the Secretary of the Treasury under President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. He played a significant role in financing the Union war effort and was known for his opposition to slavery, which shaped his political career and decisions in the turbulent era of Reconstruction.
Senate trial: A senate trial is a formal process in which the United States Senate conducts proceedings to determine whether a government official, including a president, should be removed from office following impeachment by the House of Representatives. This process involves a detailed examination of the charges brought against the official, presentation of evidence, and ultimately a vote on whether to convict or acquit the accused.
Swing around the circle: The 'swing around the circle' refers to a political campaign undertaken by President Andrew Johnson in 1866, where he traveled across the United States to rally public support for his Reconstruction policies. This campaign aimed to regain congressional support for his lenient approach toward the Southern states and undermine the Radical Republicans, who were advocating for stricter measures during the Reconstruction era. Ultimately, it highlighted the deep divisions within the government regarding how to rebuild the nation after the Civil War.
Tenure of Office Act: The Tenure of Office Act was a federal law enacted in 1867 that restricted the President's ability to remove certain officeholders without the Senate's approval. This law was designed to protect members of the Cabinet and other appointed officials from being dismissed for political reasons, particularly during the turbulent Reconstruction era. The act played a pivotal role in the impeachment of Andrew Johnson by creating a direct conflict between him and Congress regarding the control over the executive branch.
Ulysses S. Grant: Ulysses S. Grant was a prominent Union general during the American Civil War and later served as the 18th President of the United States. His military strategies and leadership were crucial in achieving victory for the Union, particularly in the Western Theater and during the final stages of the war.
William Evarts: William Evarts was a prominent American lawyer and politician who played a key role during the impeachment of Andrew Johnson in the late 1860s. Serving as the lead counsel for Johnson during his impeachment trial, Evarts was instrumental in defending the president against charges brought by the House of Representatives, which accused Johnson of violating the Tenure of Office Act. His legal arguments and political strategy were significant in shaping the outcome of this historic trial.