Andrew Johnson's impeachment arose from his conflicts with Congress during a tumultuous period known as Reconstruction, following the Civil War. As President, Johnson had implemented policies aimed at quickly restoring the Southern states to the Union, which angered many Republican leaders who wanted harsher measures and stronger protections for freed slaves. His opposition to Congress culminated in his dismissal of Edwin M. Stanton, the Secretary of War, which led to accusations of violating the Tenure of Office Act—a law passed to restrict the president's power to remove certain officeholders without Senate approval. On February 24, 1868, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Johnson, with the motion largely following party lines and reflecting the deep political divides of the era. This impeachment was seen as a critical test of presidential power and congressional authority. As the trial moved to the Senate, significant political maneuvering took place, revealing the complexities of governance and the tension between the presidency and Congress during Reconstruction. Ultimately, Johnson was acquitted by just one vote, allowing him to remain in office but leaving his presidency fundamentally weakened. This event would set the stage for ongoing disputes over the balance of power in the U.S. government.