Impeachment of Andrew Johnson

Definition

The impeachment of Andrew Johnson was a significant political event in 1868 where the 17th President of the United States faced charges brought by the House of Representatives, largely over his violation of the Tenure of Office Act. This situation arose during a tumultuous period of Reconstruction, reflecting the intense conflict between Johnson and Congress regarding how to handle the Reconstruction of the South following the Civil War. The impeachment highlighted the struggle over presidential power and congressional authority during a critical time in American history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Andrew Johnson was impeached primarily for violating the Tenure of Office Act by removing Edwin M. Stanton, the Secretary of War, from his position.
2. The impeachment trial took place in the Senate, where Johnson was acquitted by just one vote, failing to reach the two-thirds majority required for removal.
3. Johnson's impeachment was seen as a test case for presidential power and set a precedent for future impeachments.
4. The event deepened the rift between Johnson and Congress, especially with the Radical Republicans who sought to impose strict measures during Reconstruction.
5. The impeachment had lasting implications on presidential authority and highlighted the ongoing tensions in post-Civil War America regarding race and governance.

Review Questions

• How did the political climate during Reconstruction influence the impeachment of Andrew Johnson?
  • The political climate during Reconstruction was marked by intense conflict between President Andrew Johnson and Congress, particularly with Radical Republicans who sought to transform Southern society. Johnson's lenient policies towards the South clashed with Congressional efforts to enforce civil rights and protect freedmen. This atmosphere of hostility culminated in his impeachment, as Congress aimed to assert its authority over presidential power and ensure that Reconstruction goals were met.
• Evaluate the significance of the Tenure of Office Act in relation to Johnson's impeachment and its impact on future presidential authority.
  • The Tenure of Office Act was significant because it provided Congress with a legal basis for impeaching Andrew Johnson by claiming he had violated this law when he dismissed Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. The act aimed to limit presidential power by requiring Senate approval for removals, thereby asserting Congressional authority. Its passage and subsequent use in Johnson's impeachment raised important questions about the balance of power between Congress and the presidency, influencing how future conflicts over executive authority would be navigated.
• Analyze how the outcome of Andrew Johnson's impeachment trial affected the trajectory of Reconstruction policies and presidential relations with Congress.
  • The outcome of Andrew Johnson's impeachment trial, where he was acquitted by a single vote, significantly impacted Reconstruction policies by emboldening Radical Republicans in Congress who viewed it as a mandate to pursue more aggressive reforms. The close result also illustrated the precarious nature of presidential power, leading to increased Congressional oversight and intervention in Southern affairs. This shift laid the groundwork for more stringent Reconstruction policies aimed at securing civil rights for freed slaves and reshaping Southern governance, while also establishing a contentious precedent for future interactions between the executive branch and Congress.

Related terms

Tenure of Office Act: A law passed in 1867 that restricted the President's ability to remove certain officeholders without the Senate's approval, which Johnson was accused of violating.

Reconstruction: The period following the Civil War from 1865 to 1877, aimed at rebuilding the United States and integrating formerly enslaved people into society.

Radical Republicans: A faction within the Republican Party that believed in a more stringent approach to Reconstruction, advocating for civil rights and harsher penalties for Southern states.