Event of 1868: To 1868-05-26, President Andrew Johnson is twice acquitted during his impeachmen

Background. The impeachment stemmed from Johnson's attempt to remove Secretary of War Edwin Stanton in violation of the 1867 Tenure of Office Act. Although an earlier inquiry failed in December 1867, a second inquiry launched in January 1868 led to the House voting to impeach Johnson on February 24, 1868. The articles were formally presented to the Senate in March, setting the stage for the trial.

Trial Proceedings. The Senate convened as a court of impeachment on March 5, 1868, with Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase presiding. The House appointed seven impeachment managers, and the Senate adopted specific rules for the trial. A writ of summons was sent to Johnson on March 7, notifying him of the pending trial and the charges against him.

Outcome. The trial adjourned on May 26, 1868, with Johnson acquitted. Factors influencing the acquittal included Johnson being in the final year of his presidency and the certainty he would not be nominated for re-election. Johnson remained in office as a lame duck until March 4, 1869, without significant influence on public policy.