About the Man

John Tyler’s presidency was the first to come in an unorthodox way. With the passing of William Henry Harrison while still in office, Congress scrambled to find answers to whom should succeed in such an event because it was a problem that wasn’t discussed in the Constitution. The answer was, of course, the Vice President, and this law was eventually ratified in the 25th amendment (in 1967 nonetheless).

Tyler’s “accidency” as it was called by his opponents was fairly unsuccessful. He was the first president to face impeachment for corruption and other high crimes, but the motion was defeated. Tyler was responsible for the annexation of Texas.

Tyler failed to get the Democratic nomination for reelection, the honor was given to James K Polk, behind whom Tyler put his support. After Tyler left office, as the Civil War began to break out, he sided with the Confederacy and was elected back into public office. He died before being able to assume office. He is the only President who’s death was not officially mourned in Washington D.C. due to his alliance with the Confederacy.

“Popularity – the more you woo her, the more apt she is to elude your embrace.”

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