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American History

40 Facts About the History of Impeachment (And The Presidents Who Couldn’t Escape Its Fate)

Bill Clinton - George H. W. Bush
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24. Andrew Johnson Was Impeached For Firing His Secretary of War

President Andrew Johnson. American Countryside.

In the confusing days of Reconstruction-era politics, Congress passed a Tenure of Office Act, which meant that the Senate had to approve of the president firing certain cabinet members. Congress passed this law primarily to protect Edwin Stanton, the secretary of war, whom Johnson wanted to replace. When he fired Stanton, the House voted to impeach him.

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