#12 Zachary Taylor
Years of Presidency: 1849-1850
Party: Whig
Birthplace: Virginia
Born: November 24th, 1784
Died: July 9th, 1850
Known as "Old Rough and Ready", Zachary Taylor had an impressive military career in the United States Army. This included his infamous victories during the Mexican-American War. His military background helped him to gain popularity among the people. The issue of slavery dominated Taylor's short term. During his time as President, the debating viewpoints between slaveholders and abolitionists had become very pronounced. Seeing Taylor as the wealthy slave owner he was, Southerners believed he would support the spread of slavery into western territories. Instead, Taylor took a moderate stance against slavery which resulted in angry Southerners. He urged residents of California and New Mexico to apply for statehood as "free" states, and then persuaded Congress to allow the two territories to become states. California and New Mexico joined the union as "free" states. Southerners rose against the imbalance of "free" and slave states. To appease both Southerners and Northerners alike, Henry Clay proposed the Compromise of 1850. President Taylor died as it was being debated.
"In all disputes between conflicting governments it is our interest not less than our duty to remain strictly neutral..."
Party: Whig
Birthplace: Virginia
Born: November 24th, 1784
Died: July 9th, 1850
Known as "Old Rough and Ready", Zachary Taylor had an impressive military career in the United States Army. This included his infamous victories during the Mexican-American War. His military background helped him to gain popularity among the people. The issue of slavery dominated Taylor's short term. During his time as President, the debating viewpoints between slaveholders and abolitionists had become very pronounced. Seeing Taylor as the wealthy slave owner he was, Southerners believed he would support the spread of slavery into western territories. Instead, Taylor took a moderate stance against slavery which resulted in angry Southerners. He urged residents of California and New Mexico to apply for statehood as "free" states, and then persuaded Congress to allow the two territories to become states. California and New Mexico joined the union as "free" states. Southerners rose against the imbalance of "free" and slave states. To appease both Southerners and Northerners alike, Henry Clay proposed the Compromise of 1850. President Taylor died as it was being debated.
"In all disputes between conflicting governments it is our interest not less than our duty to remain strictly neutral..."