Edwin Stanton

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Edwin Stanton was a staunch supporter of the Union cause and was instrumental in organizing the military efforts during the Civil War.
2. Stanton had a contentious relationship with Andrew Johnson, primarily due to their differing views on Reconstruction policies and the treatment of Southern states.
3. The Tenure of Office Act, which restricted Johnson's ability to remove cabinet members without Senate approval, was pivotal in Stanton's dismissal, leading to Johnson's impeachment.
4. Stanton's refusal to resign when Johnson attempted to dismiss him escalated tensions between the presidency and Congress, contributing significantly to the impeachment proceedings.
5. After Johnson's impeachment trial, Stanton eventually returned to his position as Secretary of War until he resigned in May 1868, shortly before Johnson was acquitted.

Review Questions

• How did Edwin Stanton's actions as Secretary of War contribute to the tensions between Andrew Johnson and Congress?
  • Edwin Stanton's actions were central to the conflicts between Andrew Johnson and Congress because he firmly supported Congressional Reconstruction efforts, opposing Johnson's lenient policies towards the South. His resistance to resign when Johnson attempted to remove him highlighted this tension. Stanton's alignment with Radical Republicans in Congress made him a key ally in their struggle against Johnson, ultimately leading to his dismissal and Johnson's subsequent impeachment.
• Discuss the implications of the Tenure of Office Act on Stanton’s role in the impeachment of Andrew Johnson.
  • The Tenure of Office Act had significant implications for Edwin Stanton’s role in Andrew Johnson's impeachment. This act was designed to restrict the president's power to remove certain officeholders without Senate approval. When Johnson dismissed Stanton without adhering to this law, it provided a legal basis for his impeachment. Stanton's staunch refusal to step down despite Johnson's attempts further intensified the political conflict that surrounded the impeachment process.
• Evaluate how Edwin Stanton’s approach during Reconstruction reflects broader themes of power struggle between different branches of government.
  • Edwin Stanton’s approach during Reconstruction exemplifies broader themes of power struggle between the executive and legislative branches of government. His steadfast support for Congressional Reconstruction directly challenged President Johnson’s authority and highlighted the contentious political landscape of the era. The ensuing conflict over Stanton’s dismissal not only precipitated Johnson’s impeachment but also underscored the ongoing debates about presidential versus congressional power in shaping national policy following the Civil War. This struggle set important precedents for future interactions between branches of government.

Related terms

Andrew Johnson: The 17th President of the United States, who succeeded Abraham Lincoln and faced significant challenges during Reconstruction, including opposition from Congress.

Impeachment: The process by which a sitting president can be charged with misconduct and removed from office, initiated by the House of Representatives and tried in the Senate.

Reconstruction: The period following the Civil War focused on rebuilding the South and integrating formerly enslaved people into society, marked by significant political conflict.