Edmund G. Ross faced immense pressure during the vote on Andrew Johnson's impeachment in 1868, particularly from his fellow senators and constituents who expected him to align with party lines. As a Republican, he encountered intense scrutiny and threats from party leaders who demanded a vote for conviction. Ross also grAppled with the moral dilemma of his own beliefs regarding Johnson's actions, ultimately deciding to prioritize his conviction about justice over political allegiance. His decision to vote "not guilty" was both a courageous stand for principle and a costly political move, leading to his ostracism within the Republican Party.
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