John Tyler
John Tyler: The First Vice President to Become President
Early Life (1790-1811)
John Tyler was born on March 29, 1790, in Charles City County, Virginia.
✅ Grew up on a wealthy plantation and received a top education.
✅ Graduated from the College of William & Mary at age 17.
✅ Became a lawyer at 19 years old.
Middle Life and Political Career (1812-1840)
Tyler began his career in Virginia politics before moving to national government.
1. U.S. Congressman and Governor of Virginia (1816-1827)
Served in the U.S. House of Representatives (1816-1821).
Became Governor of Virginia (1825-1827).
2. U.S. Senator and Opposition to Andrew Jackson (1827-1836)
Tyler was originally a Democratic-Republican, but he disliked Andrew Jackson’s strong use of power.
He quit the Democratic Party and joined the new Whig Party, which opposed Jackson.
3. Vice President Under William Henry Harrison (1841)
In 1840, the Whig Party chose Tyler as Harrison’s running mate.
Their slogan, “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too,” helped them win the election.
Harrison died just 32 days after taking office, making Tyler the first vice president to become president.
Presidency (1841-1845): "His Accidency"
Tyler became the 10th U.S. President (1841-1845) but faced major conflicts.
1. The First Vice President to Become President
✅ Tyler set a historic precedent by fully taking on the role of President.
✅ Many in Congress refused to accept him at first, calling him "His Accidency."
2. Vetoing the Whig Party's Plans
The Whigs expected Tyler to follow their policies, but he vetoed their plan to restore the National Bank.
❌ This made him unpopular, and his entire cabinet resigned (except for one member).
❌ The Whigs expelled him from their party, making him a president without a party.
3. The Annexation of Texas (1845)
✅ Tyler’s biggest success was pushing for Texas to join the U.S..
✅ Signed a law in 1845 allowing Texas to become a state, leading to its official admission after he left office.
Later Life and Civil War (1846-1862)
After his presidency, Tyler retired to Virginia but remained involved in politics.
Supported slavery and joined the Confederacy during the Civil War.
Elected to the Confederate Congress (1861), making him the only former U.S. president to side with the Confederacy.
Died on January 18, 1862, before fully serving in the Confederate government.
Lifetime Achievements and Legacy
✅ Set the precedent for vice presidents becoming president.
✅ Annexed Texas, expanding the U.S.
❌ Clashed with Congress and was expelled from his own party.
❌ Supported slavery and sided with the Confederacy.
Tyler is remembered as a bold but controversial leader who stood by his beliefs, even when it made him unpopular.
Reflective Writing Exercise
How did Tyler’s decision to take full control as president shape future presidencies?
Do you think Tyler made the right choice by vetoing Whig policies? Why or why not?
If you could ask John Tyler one question, what would it be?