John Tyler

(1790 - 1862 )

Who was John Tyler ?

    John Tyler was born in Virginia and graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1807, then became a lawyer. For five years, he was a member of the House of Representatives, then Governor of Virginia. Afterwards, he became a Senator. In 1840, Tyler was elected Vice President under William Henry Harrison. When President Harrison died one month into his term, Tyler found himself the first Vice President to assume office after the death of a President.

    When Tyler took office, the Whigs assumed that Tyler would promote their program. However, Tyler stood firm on states' rights as a strict interpreter of the Constitution. Tyler vetoed two bank bills passed by Congress. The Whigs, angry at this betrayal, expelled Tyler from their party. When Tyler vetoed a tariff bill, the House of Representatives moved for an impeachment, which died. President Tyler strengthened the office of President, but in doing so increased the sectional tension of the nation.

John Tyler

(1790 - 1862 )

Who was John Tyler ?

    John Tyler was born in Virginia and graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1807, then became a lawyer. For five years, he was a member of the House of Representatives, then Governor of Virginia. Afterwards, he became a Senator. In 1840, Tyler was elected Vice President under William Henry Harrison. When President Harrison died one month into his term, Tyler found himself the first Vice President to assume office after the death of a President.

    When Tyler took office, the Whigs assumed that Tyler would promote their program. However, Tyler stood firm on states' rights as a strict interpreter of the Constitution. Tyler vetoed two bank bills passed by Congress. The Whigs, angry at this betrayal, expelled Tyler from their party. When Tyler vetoed a tariff bill, the House of Representatives moved for an impeachment, which died. President Tyler strengthened the office of President, but in doing so increased the sectional tension of the nation.