WHY WAS ANDREW JOHNSON IMPEACHED

Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States, serving from 1865 to 1869. His presidency was marked by a bitter struggle with Congress over the Reconstruction of the South after the Civil War. This struggle eventually led to Johnson's impeachment in 1868.

The Tenure of Office Act

The Tenure of Office Act was passed by Congress in 1867. This act required the President to obtain the consent of the Senate before removing any Cabinet member. Johnson believed that this act was unconstitutional, as it violated his power to appoint and dismiss officials.

Johnson’s Removal of Secretary of War Edwin Stanton

In 1868, Johnson removed Secretary of War Edwin Stanton from office. Stanton was a strong supporter of Radical Republicans in Congress, who were opposed to Johnson's Reconstruction policies. Johnson believed that Stanton was obstructing his efforts to restore the Southern states to the Union.

The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson

The House of Representatives voted to impeach Johnson in 1868. The charges against him included "high crimes and misdemeanors," including violating the Tenure of Office Act and obstructing the work of Congress. After a two-month trial, Johnson was acquitted by the Senate by one vote.

The Significance of Johnson’s Impeachment

Johnson's impeachment was a significant event in American history. It was the first time that a U.S. president had been impeached. It also marked the end of Johnson's presidency, as he was unable to work effectively with Congress after the impeachment.

The Legacy of Andrew Johnson

Andrew Johnson's presidency is often seen as a failure. He was unable to successfully reunite the country after the Civil War and his impeachment further divided the nation. However, Johnson's legacy is more complex than that. He was a strong advocate for the rights of the poor and working class, and he helped to lay the foundation for the modern American welfare state.

Conclusion

Although acquitted, Andrew Johnson's legacy was damaged by the impeachment process. He was seen as a weak and ineffective leader who failed to unite a divided nation. His presidency also marked the end of Radical Republican dominance in Congress. He was a strong advocate for the rights of the poor and working class, and he helped to lay the foundation for the modern American welfare state.

FAQs

1. What was the Tenure of Office Act?

The Tenure of Office Act was a law passed by Congress in 1867 that required the President to obtain the consent of the Senate before removing any Cabinet member.

2. Why was Andrew Johnson impeached?

Andrew Johnson was impeached in 1868 for "high crimes and misdemeanors," including violating the Tenure of Office Act and obstructing the work of Congress.

3. What was the outcome of the impeachment trial?

Johnson was acquitted by the Senate by one vote.

4. How did Johnson's impeachment affect his presidency?

Johnson's impeachment further divided the nation and made it difficult for him to work effectively with Congress.

5. What is Andrew Johnson's legacy?

Johnson's legacy is a complex one. He was a strong advocate for the rights of the poor and working class, and he helped to lay the foundation for the modern American welfare state. However, he is also remembered as a weak and ineffective leader who failed to unite a divided nation.