Who was the first president to face impeachment?

Andrew Johnson was the first president to face impeachment in United States history. He became president after Abraham Lincoln's assassination in 1865. Johnson's presidency was marked by significant conflict with Congress, particularly over the issues of Reconstruction and civil rights for formerly enslaved people. His lenient policies toward the South and his attempts to obstruct Congressional Reconstruction led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1868.

The pivotal moment came when he violated the Tenure of Office Act by removing Edwin M. Stanton, the Secretary of War, from his position and attempting to replace him with someone more favorable to his administration. This act was seen as an overreach of presidential authority and led to accusations that Johnson had committed "high crimes and misdemeanors."

The impeachment proceedings culminated in a Senate trial, where Johnson was acquitted and remained in office by just one vote.

Understanding Johnson’s impeachment is crucial, as it set the stage for how the process of impeachment would be understood and utilized in the political landscape of the United States going forward.