Andrew Johnson Impeachment Timeline – Hidden 3 Causes, Charges, APUSH Summary
The Andrew Johnson Impeachment came about in the aftermath of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and a very contentious political period in American History.
Andrew Johnson Impeachment – Causes, Charges, and APUSH Significance
Learn why President Andrew Johnson was impeached in 1868, the charges brought against him, the House and Senate votes, and its significance in APUSH history.
Introduction: Why Occured Andrew Johnson Impeachment?
Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, became the first U.S. president to be impeached in 1868. His impeachment stemmed from deep political conflict during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. Johnson’s lenient approach to reintegrating the Southern states clashed with the Radical Republicans in Congress who sought stronger protections for newly freed African Americans.
Why Was Andrew Johnson Impeached in 1968
The main reason for Johnson’s impeachment was his violation of the Tenure of Office Act, a federal law passed in 1867. The Act prohibited the president from removing certain officeholders, including Cabinet members, without Senate approval.
Despite this, Johnson attempted to remove Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, a Radical Republican ally, and replace him with Lorenzo Thomas. This act was seen as a direct challenge to Congressional authority and led to his impeachment.
Timeline: Important Dates in Andrew Johnson Impeachment
March 2, 1867: Tenure of Office Act passed (over Johnson’s veto)
February 21, 1868: Johnson tries to remove Stanton
February 24, 1868: House of Representatives votes to impeach Johnson
March–May 1868: Senate impeachment trial takes place
May 16, 1868: Senate votes on removal
Vote Count: House and Senate
House of Representatives Vote:
Vote to impeach: 126 Yes – 47 No
Senate Vote:
Needed to convict and remove: 2/3 majority (36 votes)
Actual vote: 35 Guilty – 19 Not Guilty
Johnson was acquitted by just one vote, avoiding removal from office.
Using inflammatory language to oppose Congress’s Reconstruction policies
APUSH Definition: Andrew Johnson Impeachment
APUSH Definition: The impeachment of Andrew Johnson (1868) was the first presidential impeachment in U.S. history. Sparked by Johnson’s violation of the Tenure of Office Act, it reflected the power struggle between the executive and legislative branches during Reconstruction. Though impeached by the House, Johnson was acquitted in the Senate by one vote. The event is crucial for understanding the limits of presidential power and the political battles over Reconstruction.
Why It Matters Today
The impeachment of Andrew Johnson highlights early tensions between the executive and legislative branches and remains a key precedent for presidential accountability. It also underscores the difficulties of post-Civil War Reconstruction and the ongoing struggle for civil rights in America.
Conclusion
The impeachment of Andrew Johnson was a landmark event in U.S. history. Though he remained in office, the trial revealed deep divisions over Reconstruction and the balance of power in government. For APUSH students and history enthusiasts, it serves as a pivotal moment where law, politics, and civil rights intersected.
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