The 1868 Senate Trial of President Andrew Johnson

Name: The 1868 Senate Trial of President Andrew Johnson
Start: 1808-03-05
Location: Unspecified

The 1868 Senate Trial: A Pivotal Moment in American History

The 1868 Senate trial of President Andrew Johnson marked a significant moment in American political history. This event emerged from a bitter conflict between the presidency and Congress during the Reconstruction Era following the Civil War. Johnson had ascended to the presidency after Abraham Lincoln's assassination and was tasked with the difficult job of reconstructing a nation divided by war. However, his policies and decisions increasingly put him at odds with the Republican-controlled Congress.

Andrew Johnson's Background

Born in 1808 in Raleigh, North Carolina, Andrew Johnson was a self-taught tailor who rose through the political ranks to serve as a U.S. Congressman and later Governor of Tennessee. His views during the Civil War were complex, initially supporting the Union but later opposing many of the Reconstruction policies advocated by Congress. Johnson's opposition to civil rights measures and his attempt to remove Eunice Stanton, the Secretary of War, led to serious tensions with Congress.

Key Charges Against Andrew Johnson

The primary charge against Johnson was his violation of the Tenure of Office Act, which restricted the president's power to remove certain officeholders without Senate approval. This issue came to a head when Johnson dismissed Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and attempted to appoint Lorenzo Thomas as his replacement. This action prompted the House of Representatives to impeach him on February 24, 1868.

The Senate's Role in the Impeachment Trial

Following his impeachment, the trial was held in the Senate, where it was determined if Johnson's actions were consistent with the Constitution’s standards for removal from office. The trial was presided over by Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase. A two-thirds majority was necessary for conviction, and tensions ran high as the nation watched the proceedings unfold.

The Trial Proceedings

The trial commenced on March 13, 1868, where testimonies were presented, and evidence was debated vigorously. Ultimately, Johnson's defense team argued that his actions were within his constitutional rights, while the prosecution insisted he had violated the law. The trial lasted several weeks, illustrating a deep division within the country.

The Outcome of the Senate Trial

On May 16, 1868, the Senate voted on the articles of impeachment. Johnson was acquitted by just one vote, with the final tally falling short of the required two-thirds majority needed for conviction. This outcome frustrated many who favored a more punitive approach to his presidency, but it ultimately reinforced the balance of power between the branches of government.

Fun Fact

Andrew Johnson's Interesting Fact

Despite the fierce opposition he faced, Andrew Johnson remains the only U.S. president to have been impeached but not removed from office. His trial sparked debates about presidential powers that are still relevant today.