William Evarts

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. William Evarts was known for his eloquent legal arguments and strong defense strategies, which he employed during Andrew Johnson's impeachment trial.
2. Evarts argued that Johnson's actions did not warrant removal from office and that the charges against him were politically motivated.
3. Despite Evarts' efforts, Andrew Johnson was acquitted by just one vote in the Senate, highlighting the contentious political atmosphere of the time.
4. Evarts later became a significant figure in American law and politics, serving as U.S. Secretary of State under President Rutherford B. Hayes.
5. His role in the impeachment trial established him as a leading legal mind and helped pave the way for future discussions on presidential power and accountability.

Review Questions

• How did William Evarts' defense strategies impact the outcome of Andrew Johnson's impeachment trial?
  • William Evarts' defense strategies were crucial in shaping the narrative of Andrew Johnson's impeachment trial. By articulating strong legal arguments that questioned the validity of the charges and highlighting potential political motivations behind them, Evarts was able to sway some senators to vote for acquittal. His efforts showcased his legal acumen and underscored the deep divisions within Congress regarding presidential authority during Reconstruction.
• Evaluate the significance of the Tenure of Office Act in relation to William Evarts' defense of Andrew Johnson during the impeachment proceedings.
  • The Tenure of Office Act was pivotal in William Evarts' defense strategy as it was central to the charges against Andrew Johnson. Evarts argued that Johnson's dismissal of Secretary of War Edwin Stanton did not violate this act because it was unconstitutional. By challenging both the legality and applicability of the act, Evarts aimed to demonstrate that Congress was overreaching its authority, thus strengthening Johnson's position during a politically charged trial.
• Assess how William Evarts' role in Andrew Johnson's impeachment reflects broader themes in American political history regarding checks and balances.
  • William Evarts' role in Andrew Johnson's impeachment highlights significant themes regarding checks and balances within American government. The trial not only tested the limits of presidential power but also illustrated how Congress could exert its authority through impeachment. This conflict underscored ongoing tensions between different branches of government and set precedents for future interactions, shaping American political discourse about accountability and governance in times of national crisis.

Related terms

Andrew Johnson: The 17th President of the United States, who faced impeachment primarily due to his opposition to Congressional Reconstruction and his attempts to remove certain officials from office.

Tenure of Office Act: A federal law passed in 1867 aimed at restricting the president's power to remove certain officeholders without the Senate's approval, which became a central issue in Johnson's impeachment.

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