I thought it was a good idea to revist a fairly simple scenario. Most of the following paragraph is taken from America: A Narrative History. I'm exhausted right now, but I will likely rewrite it later.
By 1868, Radical Republicans were convinced that Andrew Johnson needed to be removed from office. Johnson, though hostile to the congressional Reconstruction program, had gone through the motions required of him. He continued to pardon former Confederates, however, and transferred several of the district military commanders who had displayed Radical sympathies. Johnson lacked Lincoln's resilience and pragmatism and allowed his temper to get the better of his judgement. While the Republicans had tried to impeach Johnson early in 1867 to no success, they found their opportunity the following year when Johnson himself purposefully violated the Tenure of Office Act to test its constitutionality.
In the end, Johnson was saved by one vote.
Although the trial failed to remove Johnson, it crippled his already weak presidency and he no longer picked any fights with the Congress. However, the failure to remove Johnson also damaged Radical Republican morale and support.
So what if, the Radical Republicans succeed in their goal and Johnson is removed from office? Had it succeeded, Johnson would have been replaced by Senate Pro Tempore Benjamin Wade, likely revitalizing the Radical Republican movement. How far do the Radicals go in Reconstruction? Is Wade nominated for another term or does the party still go with Grant in November?
By 1868, Radical Republicans were convinced that Andrew Johnson needed to be removed from office. Johnson, though hostile to the congressional Reconstruction program, had gone through the motions required of him. He continued to pardon former Confederates, however, and transferred several of the district military commanders who had displayed Radical sympathies. Johnson lacked Lincoln's resilience and pragmatism and allowed his temper to get the better of his judgement. While the Republicans had tried to impeach Johnson early in 1867 to no success, they found their opportunity the following year when Johnson himself purposefully violated the Tenure of Office Act to test its constitutionality.
In the end, Johnson was saved by one vote.
Although the trial failed to remove Johnson, it crippled his already weak presidency and he no longer picked any fights with the Congress. However, the failure to remove Johnson also damaged Radical Republican morale and support.
So what if, the Radical Republicans succeed in their goal and Johnson is removed from office? Had it succeeded, Johnson would have been replaced by Senate Pro Tempore Benjamin Wade, likely revitalizing the Radical Republican movement. How far do the Radicals go in Reconstruction? Is Wade nominated for another term or does the party still go with Grant in November?