Presidency Chart William Henry Harrison And John Tyler
Introduction
William Henry Harrison and John Tyler were the 9th and 10th presidents of the United States respectively. They both served for a short period of time, but their presidency was marked by important events that shaped the history of the United States. In this article, we will take a closer look at their presidency and the impact it had on the country.
William Henry Harrison
William Henry Harrison was born on February 9, 1773, in Virginia. He was a general in the United States Army and fought in several battles, including the Battle of Tippecanoe and the War of 1812. In 1840, he was elected as the 9th president of the United States, defeating Martin Van Buren.
However, Harrison's presidency was short-lived, as he caught a cold during his inauguration speech and died from pneumonia on April 4, 1841, only 31 days into his presidency. He was the first president to die in office and served the shortest term in U.S. history.
John Tyler
John Tyler was born on March 29, 1790, in Virginia. He was a lawyer and a politician and served as a U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator, and governor of Virginia before becoming the 10th president of the United States in 1841.
After Harrison's death, Tyler became the first vice president to assume the presidency due to the death of the incumbent. However, his presidency was marked by controversy, as he vetoed several bills proposed by his own party, the Whigs, and was eventually expelled from the party. He also signed the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, which settled a border dispute between the United States and Canada.
Economic Policies
During Harrison's brief presidency, he focused on economic policies that would boost the country's economy. He proposed a plan to lower tariffs and increase trade with other countries. However, his plan was not implemented during his presidency.
When Tyler became president, he continued Harrison's economic policies and signed the Preemption Act of 1841, which allowed settlers to buy land from the government at a discounted price. He also supported the annexation of Texas, which would increase the country's territory and resources.
Foreign Affairs
During Tyler's presidency, the United States had several foreign affairs issues to deal with. One of the most significant was the Aroostook War, a border dispute between the United States and Canada. The Webster-Ashburton Treaty, signed in 1842, settled the dispute and established the border between Maine and Canada.
Tyler also opened trade relations with China, signed a treaty with Hawaii, and recognized the independence of Texas. However, his support for the annexation of Texas led to tensions with Mexico, which eventually led to the Mexican-American War during the presidency of James K. Polk.
Conclusion
William Henry Harrison and John Tyler were two presidents who served during a critical time in U.S. history. Although their presidency was marked by controversy and tragedy, they both made significant contributions to the country's economy and foreign affairs. Their legacy continues to shape the history of the United States today.