John Tyler
Full Name and Common Aliases
#### John Tyler
John Tyler was a common alias for the 10th President of the United States, who served from 1841 to 1845. He is often referred to as "His Accidency" due to his unexpected succession to the presidency following the death of William Henry Harrison.
Birth and Death Dates
#### March 29, 1790 – January 18, 1862
John Tyler was born on March 29, 1790, in Charles City County, Virginia. He passed away on January 18, 1862, at the age of 71.
Nationality and Profession(s)
#### American Politician and Lawyer
Tyler held dual nationality as an American and a Virginian. He practiced law in his early career before entering politics. During his presidency, he served as a member of the Whig Party.
Early Life and Background
#### Family and Education
John Tyler was born into a prominent Virginia family. His father, John Tyler Sr., was a planter and judge who served in the Virginia House of Delegates. Tyler's mother, Mary Brown Jones, came from a wealthy tobacco merchant family. He received his early education at home before attending the College of William & Mary, where he studied law.
Major Accomplishments
#### Presidency and Foreign Policy
Tyler's presidency was marked by significant events, including:
The annexation of Texas as the 28th state in 1845.
The Webster-Ashburton Treaty, which resolved border disputes between the United States and British North America (now Canada).
* The signing of the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty, which led to the construction of a transoceanic telegraph.
Notable Works or Actions
#### Expansionism and States' Rights
Tyler was an advocate for westward expansion and states' rights. He believed in the importance of manifest destiny, which held that the United States had a divine mission to expand its territory across North America. This led him to support the annexation of Texas, which became a contentious issue during his presidency.
Impact and Legacy
#### Unprecedented Succession
Tyler's succession to the presidency was unprecedented at the time. He became the first vice president to assume the office after the death of the incumbent. His tenure as president faced numerous challenges, including opposition from Congress and conflicts with his own party.
Despite these difficulties, Tyler established himself as a strong leader who championed states' rights and expansionism. His legacy is still debated among historians, with some viewing him as a visionary and others as a divisive figure.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
#### Quotes and Historical Significance
Tyler's quotes often reflect his views on politics, history, and the role of government in society. He was known for his strong convictions and unwavering commitment to his principles. His presidency marked a significant turning point in American history, as it set the stage for the country's continued expansion and growth.
Today, Tyler is remembered as one of the most interesting and complex figures in American presidential history. His life and legacy continue to inspire debate among historians and scholars, cementing his place as a widely quoted and remembered figure in American politics.
Quotes by John Tyler
On the coming of that tremendous storm which for eight years desolated our country, Mr. Jefferson hesitated not, halted not.
Were you a merchant, would you settle yourself in a rich or poor neighborhood? You would not be so blind as to locate yourself among persons who would not be able to purchase your goods. So with nations with whom we trade.
The tolling of yon dismal bell and the loud but solemn discharge of artillery hath announced to the nation the melancholy tidings - Thomas Jefferson no longer lives!
A manufacturing nation is, in every sense of the word, dependent on others. Look to England! Cut off from the markets of the world, misery and ruin await her.
It is by these, the people, that I have been clothed with the high powers which they have seen fit to confide to their Chief Executive, and been charged with the solemn responsibility under which those powers are to be exercised.
The applause of his native land is the richest reward to which the patriot ever aspires. It is this for which 'he bears to live or dares to die.' It is the high incentive to those achievements which illustrate the page of history and give to poetry its brightest charm.
Pleasure has ever more been represented by poets and by painters as clothed in perpetual smiles and adorned with the richest jewels; and in real life, we have known many who, allured by her deceptions, blandishments, and hollow but showy temptations, have followed as she pointed until ruin has befallen them.
Our wise men flattered us into the adoption of the banking system under the idea that boundless wealth would result from the adoption.
I am charged with violating pledges which I never gave; and because I execute what I believe to be the law, with usurping powers not conferred by law; and above all, with using the powers conferred upon the President by the Constitution, from corrupt motives and for unwarrantable ends.
The sailor's life is at the best a life of danger. He pursues honor on the mountain wave and finds it in the battle and in the storm, and never did more distinguished chivalry display itself than in the conduct of our seamen during the late war.