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Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln's Legacy by David O. Stewart - 4* - My Review

This book provides an analysis of the Presidency of Andrew Johnson and delves into detail about his impeachment trial. The author describes the many ways Johnson botched the job of Reconstruction, allowing southern states to regain the same power (or more) than they had prior to the Civil War and to deny civil rights (and worse) to the freed slaves. The resulting conflict between Congressional leaders and the President is the primary focus of this non-fiction.

Frustrated Republican leaders began to try to find ways to limit Johnson's power, including the possibility of removing him from office. They passed the dubious (in terms of Constitutionality) Tenure of Office Act, which Johnson then knowingly violated through his attempt to replace Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. He was thwarted when Stanton refused to resign. This violation was the crux of the Impeachment charges brought against Johnson.

Stewart explores the difficulties involved in impeachment, and the idea that it should be motivated by removal of a President who has violated the laws versus solely on political reasons. It requires a 2/3 vote of the Senate to remove a President, and Johnson came very close to being removed – only one vote saved him. Stewart makes the case that the prosecution's case was poorly organized and argued. It might have been more effective to focus on Johnson’s violation of his oath of office in not protecting all the citizens of the country.

Stewart discusses the personalities of the individuals involved on both sides of the trial, the political intrigues behind the scenes, and the corruption that ended up making a difference in the form of bribes and payoffs. The book is engagingly written. It is easy to tell that Stewart has a legal background, and his analysis of events is logical and well-presented.

PBT September BWF Extra S - fits letter not tag