To accurately address your question about the actions that motivated Radical Republicans to seek the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson, here are several key factors that played a significant role:
-
Veto of Civil Rights Legislation: Johnson vetoed key civil rights legislation aimed at protecting the rights of newly freed African Americans, which angered Radical Republicans who saw this as a direct affront to their efforts.
-
Opposition to Reconstruction Policies: Johnson's lenient approach to Reconstruction and favor towards Southern states, allowing them to re-establish pre-war systems, was viewed as undermining the progress made in integrating freed slaves into society.
-
Tenure of Office Act Violation: Johnson's firing of Edwin Stanton, the Secretary of War, was seen as a violation of the Tenure of Office Act, which prompted Radical Republicans to initiate impeachment proceedings against him.
-
Rhetoric and Attitude: Johnson's confrontational attitude and public statements against Congress and its measures created significant tension and distrust between him and Radical Republicans.
If you have specific options in mind, I can help confirm which ones align with these motivations.