"While it is commonly known that Andrew Johnson was the first president to be impeached, less well known are the circumstances that led to the unsuccessful campaign to remove him from office. This full account of Johnson's political life in Washington (and, briefly, his early career in Tennessee) focuses on his conflict with the Radical Republicans, and clearly illustrates the danger when one branch of government tries to dominate the others."--BOOK JACKET.

The Rise from Poverty --The War Years -- The Emergence of the Radicals -- Lincoln's Legacy -- Johnson Takes Charge -- The Radicals Organize -- The Battle Begins -- Force Bills and Riots -- A "Swing Around the Circle" -- The Elections of 1866 -- The Reconstruction Act -- The 40th Congress -- The Puzzling Issue of Impeachment -- A Crisis in the War Department -- Johnson Is Impeached -- The Trial Begins -- The President's Defense -- The Closing Arguments -- The Verdict -- Last Days of the Presidency -- Vindication.