Impeachment of President Johnson and Failure of Reconstruction
After the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson became president on April 15, 1865. The end of Civil War had given freedom to many slaves. However, the progression of reforming the South during the Reconstruction period brought completely new challenges. On May 29, 1865, Johnson announced his plans for Reconstruction which was a huge disappointment for the Radical Republicans. When it came to Johnson, it was clear for Radical Republicans that he clearly favored for the former slaveholders rather than the former slaves. Therefore, Johnson’s announcement for Reconstruction was a huge disappointment for the Radical Republicans.
Under the administration of President Andrew
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Johnson opposed the Act and tried to remove Stanton — in direct violation of the Tenure of Office Act (Ushistory.org, n.d.). The House of Representatives formally impeached him on February 24 by a vote of 126 to 47. They charged him with violation of the Tenure of Office Act and bringing into "disgrace, ridicule, hatred, contempt, and reproach the Congress of the United States." Johnson's trial began on March 4th and continued for 11 grueling weeks and Johnson was acquitted by a single vote at the end (WGBH American,