Who was the first U.S. president to face impeachment proceedings?

The first U.S. president to face impeachment proceedings was Andrew Johnson. He ascended to the presidency after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and faced impeachment primarily due to his violation of the Tenure of Office Act by attempting to remove Edwin M. Stanton, the Secretary of War, from his position. This act was seen as a way to limit the president's powers over his cabinet. The impeachment process began in 1868, making Johnson the first president to undergo this significant constitutional process.

Understanding the historical context is crucial; impeachment is a serious political action that underscores conflicts between presidential authority and Congressional oversight. Johnson's contentious relationship with Congress and his lenient policies toward the Southern states during the Reconstruction Era contributed to his impeachment. While he was ultimately acquitted by the Senate, the proceedings against him set a precedent for future impeachment cases, demonstrating the checks and balances inherent in U.S. governance.