Historical Figure
John Tyler
1790–1862
President of the United States from 1841 to 1845
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Biography
John Tyler was the tenth president of the United States, serving from 1841 to 1845, after briefly holding office as the tenth vice president in 1841. He was elected vice president on the 1840 Whig ticket with William Henry Harrison, succeeding to the presidency following Harrison's death 31 days after assuming office as president. Tyler was a stalwart supporter and advocate of states' rights, including regarding slavery, and he adopted nationalistic policies as president only when they did not infringe on the states' powers. His unexpected rise to the presidency posed a threat to the presidential ambitions of Senator Henry Clay and other Whig politicians and left Tyler estranged from both major political parties at the time: the Whigs and the Democrats.
In Their Own Words (5)
In 1840 I was called from my farm to undertake the administration of public affairs and I foresaw that I was called to a bed of thorns. I now leave that bed which has afforded me little rest, and eagerly seek repose in the quiet enjoyments of rural life.
1840
Let it, then, be henceforth proclaimed to the world, that man's conscience was created free; that he is no longer accountable to his fellow man for his religious opinions, being responsible therefore only to his God.
Wealth can only be accumulated by the earnings of industry and the savings of frugality.
So far as it depends on the course of this government, our relations of good will and friendship will be sedulously cultivated with all nations.
I can never consent to being dictated to as to what I shall or shall not do. I, as President, shall be responsible for my administration. I hope to have your hearty co-operation in carrying out its measures. So long as you see fit to do this, I shall be glad to have you with me. When you think otherwise, your resignations will be accepted.
Timeline
The story of John Tyler, told in moments.
Became president after William Henry Harrison died 31 days into his term. Nobody had planned for this. The Constitution was vague on whether the VP actually became president or just acted as one. Tyler insisted he was fully president.
Vetoed a bill to reestablish the national bank. His own Whig Party expelled him. His entire cabinet resigned except Secretary of State Daniel Webster. They burned him in effigy on the White House lawn.
Signed the bill annexing the Republic of Texas on his last full day in office. His main achievement. He'd pushed it through after failing to get a treaty ratified.
Artifacts (12)
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