John Tyler

John Tyler (March 29, 1790 – January 18, 1862) was an American politician who served as the tenth President of the United States from 1841 to 1845. A Virginia native and former congressman and governor, Tyler was selected as William Henry Harrison's running mate despite significant ideological differences. When Harrison died just 31 days into his presidency, Tyler assumed the presidency, establishing the important constitutional precedent that a vice president assumes full presidential powers upon the president's death—a principle that remained uncodified until the Twenty-fifth Amendment. As president, Tyler oversaw the annexation of Texas in 1845, a territorial expansion that proved controversial but significant for American westward expansion. His administration also negotiated the Webster-Ashburton Treaty with Britain. Tyler was often at odds with his own party and pursued an independent political course. After leaving office, he became involved in the secession movement and was elected to the Confederate Congress, making him one of the few U.S. presidents to side with the Confederacy during the Civil War.