John Tyler

Profession: 10th US President

Nationality:

Political Party: Whig
Political Titles: Vice President, Governor of Virginia, Senator from Virginia, President pro tempore of the United States Senate

Presidential Term: April 4, 1841 - March 4, 1845
Preceded By: William Henry Harrison
Succeeded By: James Knox Polk

Biography: Before serving as the 10th President of the United States (1841–1845), Tyler had a long political career, serving as a governor, senator and ambassador. He was elected Vice President on the 1840 Whig ticket with William Henry Harrison, and became president after his running mate's death in April 1841.

Tyler clashed with his own party and the Congress throughout much of his term. The Whigs expelled him from the party after he ruled much of their platform unconstitutional - and believed the President, rather than Congress, should set the policy. In this vein he vetoed a number of bills, only to become the first President to have his veto overridden by Congress. While he reached important accords with the UK and with Qing China, his domestic achievements stalled and he is regarded as an obscure leader in American history.

A firm believer in manifest destiny, he sought to strengthen and preserve the Union through territorial expansion, most notably the annexation of the independent Republic of Texas in his last days in office.

Born: March 29, 1790
Birthplace: Charles City County, Virginia, USA
Star Sign: Aries

Died: January 18, 1862 (aged 71)