Section 1: Tyler Takes Office and Conflicts with the Whigs

What happened in the election of 1840?

Whig candidate William Henry Harrison defeated Democrat Martin Van Buren. The Whigs campaigned using a popular image of Harrison as a common man who enjoyed log cabins and hard cider, helping him win support.

What happened shortly after William Henry Harrison became president?

Harrison died just four weeks after taking office in 1841, making Vice President John Tyler the new president.

Who was John Tyler?

John Tyler became president in 1841 after Harrison's death. Although elected as a Whig, he had previously been a Democrat and supported states' rights, causing major conflicts with Whig leaders.

Who were the two major leaders of the Whig Party?

Henry Clay and Daniel Webster were influential Whig leaders who supported a stronger national government, a national bank, protective tariffs, and internal improvements.

Why did John Tyler clash with Henry Clay and Daniel Webster?

Tyler disagreed with the Whig Party's nationalistic economic program. He opposed a national bank and some federal economic policies because he favored states' rights and limited federal power.

Why was John Tyler called a "Democrat in Whig clothing"?

Although he ran as a Whig, Tyler maintained many Democratic and Jeffersonian beliefs, especially his opposition to centralized government power and a national bank.

What did Henry Clay want to accomplish under Tyler's presidency?

Clay wanted to carry out the Whig economic program, including establishing a new national bank, maintaining protective tariffs, and supporting internal improvements.

Why was Tyler described as a president without a party?

His repeated conflicts with Whig leaders caused the Whigs to expel him from the party. Most of his cabinet resigned, leaving him politically isolated.

What happened after Tyler was expelled from the Whig Party?

Whig leaders even attempted to impeach him, although the effort failed. Democrats were pleased by the division within the Whig Party.