Description:
(12th President of the United States (1849-50))
Zachary Taylor served as the 12th president of the United States and was in office from March 1849 to July 1850; his tenure was cut short by his untimely death. He was a successful military leader and his contribution as a military leader was immense. He served in the United States Army for forty years and rose to the rank of major general. He led the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War, and the Second Seminole War as a military leader. He headed the American troops to victory in the Battle of Palo Alto and the Battle of Monterrey during the Mexican–American War. He fought the Presidential election as a Whig party candidate in 1848 and went on to win it by defeating his opponent Lewis Cass. He was the last Whig to win the presidential election and hold slaves under him. He faced criticism for his moderate approach to the issue of slavery. He also urged the settlers of New Mexico and California to form statehood and thereby set the stage for the Compromise of 1850. But, before making any progress on the status of slavery, he died just sixteen months into his term.
Birthday
November 24, 1784 (Sagittarius)
Born In
United States
Died on
July 9, 1850
Spouse/Ex-
Margaret Smith
Parents
Richard Taylor
Sarah Dabney (Strother) Taylor
Children
Ann Mackall, Margaret Smith, Mary Elizabeth Bliss, Octavia Pannell, Richard Taylor, Sarah Knox Taylor
Relatives
Joseph Pannell Taylor
What was Zachary Taylor's military career like?
Zachary Taylor had a successful military career, rising through the ranks to become a Major General in the United States Army. He is best known for his leadership during the Mexican-American War.
What political party did Zachary Taylor belong to?
Zachary Taylor was a member of the Whig Party. He was elected as the 12th President of the United States in 1848, representing the Whigs.
Did Zachary Taylor support the Compromise of 1850?
Zachary Taylor opposed the Compromise of 1850, which was a series of legislative measures aimed at addressing the issue of slavery in the newly acquired territories from the Mexican-American War.
What was Zachary Taylor's stance on the issue of slavery?
Zachary Taylor was a slave owner himself, but he took a moderate stance on the issue of slavery. He believed that the decision to allow or prohibit slavery in the territories should be left to the residents of those territories.
How did Zachary Taylor's sudden death impact the nation?
Zachary Taylor's sudden death in 1850, just 16 months into his presidency, led to political instability and uncertainty. His death raised questions about his successor and the future direction of the country.
