What event led to the impeachment of Andrew Johnson?

• A. His opposition to the Civil Rights Act
• B. Attempting to fire Edwin Stanton
• C. Signing the Emancipation Proclamation
• D. Refusal to appoint Black Cabinet members

Answer: (B)

The impeachment of Andrew Johnson was primarily triggered by his attempt to fire Edwin Stanton, who was the Secretary of War at the time. This action violated the Tenure of Office Act, which had been enacted by Congress to limit the president's ability to remove certain officeholders without Senate approval. Johnson's move to dismiss Stanton was seen as a direct challenge to congressional authority and was part of a broader conflict between him and the Republican-dominated Congress over the control of Reconstruction policies. His disregard for this law further fueled the tensions and ultimately led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1868. The Senate later acquitted him, but the incident marked a significant moment in the struggle for power between the presidency and Congress.