Notes on John Tyler's Presidency and Texas' Independence

John Tyler's Presidency

  • Background Context:

    • John Tyler became president after William Henry Harrison died in office, marking the first time in U.S. history a president succeeded another due to death.
    • Tyler was a former Democrat with a strong belief in states' rights, causing friction with the Whig party that he was elected under.

  • Political Dynamics:

    • Tyler faced isolation from both the Whigs, who saw him as a poor representative, and the Democrats, who did not accept him.
    • Henry Clay, a prominent Whig, tried to position himself as the de facto leader of the administration but was often ignored by Tyler.
    • Tyler’s rejection of prominent Whig policies and his support for state rights led to tensions:
      • Tyler vetoed the bill to create a third Bank of the U.S., resulting in the resignation of most of his cabinet except for Daniel Webster.
      • Webster stayed on due to ongoing negotiations with Britain.

Political Conflicts and Consequences

  • Legislative Actions:

    • Tyler signed the repeal of the independent treasury act, aligning with Whig interests.
    • The veto of the bank bill showcased the deep division between Tyler and the Whigs, leading to significant cabinet turnover and political instability.

  • Formation of Parties:

    • Tyler struggled to form his own political party after being rejected by the Whigs and Democrats; the American political system favored two-party dominance, making Tyler's efforts futile.

Relations with Britain

  • Border Disputes:
    • Disputes arose over land boundaries, specifically the unclear delineation between U.S. and British territories—chiefly in Maine and New Brunswick.
    • Secretary of State Daniel Webster negotiated the Ashburton Treaty to settle boundary disputes:
      • Compromise involved minor land concessions benefiting British interests in establishing a military road to Halifax.
      • Webster’s strategy was premised on a view of building goodwill with Britain to facilitate future negotiations over more significant territorial matters.

The Texas Quest

  • Texas as a Republic:

    • Following Mexico's independence, American settlers (including Stephen F. Austin) were encouraged to settle in sparsely populated Texas for agricultural production—primarily cotton.
    • Tension mounted as these settlers maintained Protestantism and slavery against Mexico's Catholicism and abolitionist stance.
    • In 1830, Mexico closed its borders to U.S. settlers in Texas as tensions escalated, leading to skirmishes.

  • Texas Revolution:

    • The conflict escalated, culminating in the Texas War for Independence, with significant battles like:
      • The Alamo: A few hundred Texan defenders faced a much larger Mexican army, ultimately leading to a massacre but solidifying Texan resolve.
      • Goliad: More Texans executed after surrender, strengthening the drive for independence.
    • The decisive Battle of San Jacinto in 1836 led to Texas' independence, with Houston's tactical might overcoming Santa Ana's forces.

Annexation Attempts

  • Complications of Annexation:

    • Despite the desire for Texas to join the U.S., President Tyler faced opposition due to fears of provoking war with Mexico.
    • Tyler's administration, particularly after the death of Secretary of State Abel Upshur in a naval accident, faced increased challenges and diminishing support for annexation.
    • John C. Calhoun's appointment as Secretary of State entrenched Northern opposition to Texas annexation due to his pro-slavery stance, marking a significant political blunder.

  • Texas' Independent Stance:

    • Texas remained independent for nearly a decade before eventually being annexed under subsequent administration, amid shifting political tides in the U.S. regarding slavery and territorial expansion.