John Tyler, the 10th President, was born on March 29, 1790, in Virginia. He became president under unprecedented circumstances following the death of William Henry Harrison, setting the precedent for presidential succession.
Tyler’s presidency was fraught with conflict; he was expelled from his own Whig Party for vetoing much of their legislative agenda, particularly their economic policies which included a rechartering of the Bank of the United States. His administration focused on states’ rights and a strict interpretation of the Constitution, leading to the creation of the modern-day executive veto power. Tyler’s presidency saw the annexation of Texas, which contributed to rising tensions over slavery.
After his term, Tyler retired to his estate in Virginia. His later support for the Confederacy during the Civil War further complicated his legacy. He died on January 18, 1862, in Virginia, not long after the outbreak of the Civil War, and was buried under the Confederate flag.
