March 5, 1868

Impeachment trial for President Andrew Johnson begins

In the years following Lincoln's assassination, the conflict between President Andrew Johnson and Congress was great. In a political move to get rid of Johnson, the US House of Representatives brought charges against the President and asked for impeachment. The US Senate agreed and, according to the Constitution, acted as the jury. The Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court served as judge.

The trial began on March 5, 1868. President Johnson was acquitted on May 16.

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/Impeachment-Guide.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impeachment_of_Andrew_Johnson

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