John Tyler the Accidental President

About this book

The first vice president to become president on the death of the incumbent John Tyler (1790-1862) was derided by critics as "His Accidency." Yet he proved to be a bold leader who used the malleable executive system to his advantage. In this biography of the tenth President of the United States Edward P. Crapol challenges previous depictions of Tyler as a die-hard advocate of states rights limited government and a strict interpretation of the Constitution. In pursuit of his agenda Crapol argues Tyler exploited executive prerogatives and manipulated constitutional requirements in ways that violated his professed allegiance to a strict interpretation of the Constitution. He set precedents that his successors in the White House invoked to create an American empire and expand presidential power. Crapol also highlights Tylers enduring faith in Americas national destiny and his belief that boundless territorial expansion would preserve the Union as a slaveholding republic. When Tyler a Virginian opted for secession and the Confederacy in 1861 he was stigmatized as Americas "traitor" president for having betrayed the republic he once led. As Crapol demonstrates Tylers story anticipates the modern imperial presidency in all its power and grandeur as well as its darker side.