February 24, 2013
ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT INTRODUCED 155 YEARS AGO TODAY
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) 155 years ago today, February 24, 1868, eleven articles of impeachment against President Andrew Johnson were introduced in the House of Representatives charging "high crimes & misdemeanors" as outlined in Article II of the US Constitution.
Impeachment Trial
of President Andrew Johnson
Illustration by Theodore R. Davis
Harper's Weekly
April 11, 1868
The articles, introduced by Representatives Thaddeus Stevens* of Pennsylvania & John A. Bingham** of Ohio, were primarily aimed at President Johnson's alleged violation of the Tenure of Office Act.
*Thaddeus Stevens (1792-1868) was chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee. He died less than 3 months after President Johnson was acquitted by the Senate.
**John A. Bingham (1815-1900) served as judge advocate in the trial of the Lincoln assassins & as a prosecutor in the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson. He was the principal author of the 14th Amendment.
The act, prohibiting the President of the United States from dismissing any member of his cabinet without Senate approval, had been violated just 3 days before when President Johnson dismissed Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton.
The introduction of impeachment articles against Andrew Johnson was part of a struggle for control of the reconstruction of the South following the Civil War between Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson & the Radical Republicans in the Congress.
While Lincoln & Johnson favored a leniency toward the South, the Radicals pushed for a harsh reconstruction policy.
Since Lincoln's death in April 1865, the Radicals became increasingly powerful & were able to override President Johnson's vetoes.
The House of Representatives approved the 11 articles of impeachment by a vote of 126 to 47 on March 2, 1868 & the results of the vote were presented by Stevens & Bingham to the Senate.
Stevens & Bingham present
Articles of Impeachment
in the Senate Chamber
Illustration by Theodore R. Davis
Harper's Weekly
March 14, 1868
