Andrew Johnson Survives Impeachment by One Vote: A Close Call in Presidential History on May 16
May 16 is a super dramatic day in U.S. presidential history — it's the date in 1868 when the U.S. Senate voted on whether to remove President Andrew Johnson from office during his impeachment trial. They needed 36 votes to convict him, but they only got 35 — he was saved by just one vote!
This was the first time in American history that a president was impeached by the House of Representatives. The Senate's vote on May 16 (and the final votes later) meant President Johnson stayed in office until the end of his term. It was a very close and tense moment that showed how the Constitution's system of "checks and balances" works to protect the government from getting too out of control.
If you're learning about the Civil War, Reconstruction, or how presidents can face big trouble but still finish their job, this May 16 event is one of the most exciting "close calls" in history!
Who Was Andrew Johnson? Quick Bio for KidsAndrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States (1865–1869). He grew up very poor in Tennessee and never went to school — he taught himself to read! He became a tailor, then a politician, and was Abraham Lincoln's vice president.
Johnson became president in a sad way — after President Lincoln was assassinated in 1865. He had a tough job trying to rebuild the South after the Civil War (this time was called Reconstruction). He often argued with Congress about how to treat the South and protect the rights of newly freed Black Americans. These fights led to him being impeached.
What Happened on May 16, 1868?
- The House of Representatives had already impeached (charged) President Johnson with 11 articles, mostly because he fired his Secretary of War without Congress's permission.
- The Senate held a big trial in the Capitol.
- On May 16, they voted on the most important charge.
- It was 35 votes to convict and 19 to acquit — one vote short of the two-thirds majority needed to remove a president!
- Johnson stayed in office (he was fully acquitted on the other charges 10 days later).
- This event showed that even presidents have to follow rules, and Congress has power to check them.
Fun Facts About Andrew Johnson and May 16 for Kids
- Andrew Johnson was the first president to be impeached (later Bill Clinton and Donald Trump were also impeached, but none were removed from office).
- He was a tailor before politics — he made his own suits!
- Johnson loved reading and carried books with him even as president.
- During his impeachment trial, tickets to watch were very popular — people wanted to see the drama!
- He was the only Southern senator who stayed loyal to the Union during the Civil War.
What do you think? Would it be scary to be president during such a big argument with Congress? Or want to learn about another close call in presidential history?
