Tyler was an "accidental" president. He was elevated to the presidency by WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON's death. Tyler brought southern aristocratic independence to the office. On the whole, it did not serve him well. Northerners in Congress objected to his commitment to states' rights.
Tyler achieved his greatest success when he could act without Congress. But he lost control of his own party. They tried to place constitutional restrictions on his authority. Fortunately for later presidents, they failed.
Government Leadership
Tyler was an able executive. He reorganized the Navy Department. When he could act without consulting Congress, Tyler was successful. But he disliked compromise. His relations with Congress were always complicated by conflict. The result was paralysis in the federal government.
Political Leadership
Tyler came to the presidency as a Whig. But Whigs in Congress stripped him of his political leadership. He left an already weak party even weaker. After Tyler left office, the Whigs elected only one other president. Then they passed into political oblivion.
The Economy, Taxes, Regulation, and International Trade
Tyler inherited a depressed economy. He did little to improve it. He killed the independent Subtreasury that MARTIN VAN BUREN had created. After the economy worsened, Tyler tried to revive it. But he had no clout with Congress. His proposal was never approved.
Foreign Affairs
Tyler's foreign policy was successful. He settled the long-lasting U.S.-Canada border dispute. He opened Chinese markets to U.S. goods. He stretched the Monroe Doctrine and applied it to Hawaii. The Hawaiian Islands became a safe port for U.S. ships traveling the Pacific route from California to Asia.
Infrastructure Development
Tyler took a narrow approach to the public interest. He opposed federal funding for
infrastructure development. On one occasion, he modified his policy in exchange for low import
duties. Not much was accomplished. Congress reneged on its promise and raised duties. The public-
works program died.
Military Preparedness
Tyler inherited the antiquated U.S. Navy from the War of 1812. He reorganized and streamlined the Navy Department. His naval program was his most important domestic achievement.
Territorial Expansion
Tyler enlarged the physical territory of the United States. Through shrewd bargaining, he annexed Texas. Tyler also began negotiations to incorporate Oregon into the United States.
The Historical Legacy
Tyler left an important legacy. He settled the question of the vice president's succession when a president dies in office. After WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON died in office, Tyler moved quickly to succeed him. His decisiveness ended uncertainty over presidential succession. The full impact of
Tyler's decision would not become clear until the Nuclear Age. When JOHN KENNEDY died in office, the succession--and the transfer of command of the armed services--was swift and certain.
