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John Tyler (March 29, 1790 - January 18, 1862) was the 10th (1841-1845) President of the United States, but only the second one born in the United States.
Tyler was elected Vice President in 1840 as running mate to William Henry Harrison, and assumed the presidency upon Harrison's death.
Tyler was the first such vice-president to assume the presidency in this manner. His presidency was never taken seriously in his time; he was usually referred to as the "Acting President". Further, Harrison was to have been a genial figurehead controlled by Whig Party leaders, particularly Henry Clay. Tyler shocked Congressional Whigs by vetoing virtually the entire Whig agenda, leaving the government deadlocked.
Tyler's last act in office was perhaps the most significant: he signed the bill annexing Texas, which had formerly been part of Mexico. This act triggered war with Mexico. Tyler retired to a plantation named "Walnut Grove" he had bought in Virginia, renaming it "Sherwood Forest" to signify that he had been "outlawed" by the Whig party.
| Supreme Court appointments |
- Samuel Nelson[?] - 1845
| Related articles |
| Preceded by: William Henry Harrison |
Presidents of the United States | Succeeded by: James Knox Polk |