feb 26, 1868 - Impeachment

Description:

Caused by tension between Johnson and Radical Republicans (Johnson kept vetoing bills meant to punish the South), the Tenure of Office Act (later appealed) was passed. This Act was a trap set by the Radicals to get rid of Johnson. It meant that Johnson had to get Congress approval before firing any cabinet member. Johnson ignored the Act and fired the secretary of war. The House then impeaches him, but the Senate does not convict him; multiple republicans voted w/ Democrats because they recognized the ordeal as being shady.

This event demonstrates the political tensions caused by reconstruction disagreements.

Added to timeline:

Date: