Presidential Resources Online
Zachary Taylor 1849 - 1850
Zachary Taylor was born in 1784 and grew up on a
plantation in Kentucky. A career soldier, Taylor served in a variety
of military posts, and became distinguished as an effective military leader.
Taylor was propelled to national fame during the Mexican war (1846-48)
when he led his troops to victory at the battles of Buena Vista and Monterrey.
Taylor had little interest in politics prior to the war, but after the
war he accepted the Whig nomination for President, and was elected largely
as a result of his military fame. Taylor became President at a time
of emerging national strife over the question of slave expansion.
Taylor did not defend the Southern cause, but he was a prosperous slave
owner which gave him Southern appeal. As President, Taylor made it
clear that he did not wish to see slavery expand, a position which enraged
the South. Similarly, as president Taylor opposed a series of compromise
bills on slavery, which were sought by many in both sections of the country.
In 1850 Taylor fell ill during a Fourth of July celebration, and died soon
after.
Online Zachary Taylor Resources:
Zachary
Taylor: Old Rough and Ready: A short online essay on Taylor's career written
for children.
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