ZACHARY TAYLOR 12th President of the US Buschistory Presents – The Presidents

The Election 1. President: Zachary Taylor Number 12 VP – Millard Fillmore 2. Political Party Whig 3. Term of Office _ Who came before and after him, and what were their Political parties? Preceded by James K. Polk – Democrat. Followed by Millard Fillmore -Whig 5. Were there any unusual circumstances surrounding his ascent to the presidency? If so, describe the situation in specific detail. The major issue of the day was the Wilmot Proviso. Taylor owned over 100 slaves and endorsed squatter sovereignty. He was challenged by Democrat Lewis Cass and Free Soil party candidate Martin Van Buren. Van Buren and Cass divided the Democrat vote allowing Taylor to win the presidency. Electors – Taylor 163. Cass 127

The Office 6. Are there any catch phrases or terms specifically associated with this president? If so, list and explain them Old Rough and Ready 7. When he left office, was it by: choice, defeat, natural death, assassination, or resignation. Explain your answer. Death in Office. At the festivities on July 4, 1850 he attended a festival at the Washington monument (under construction). He ate warm milk and cherries. He died on July 9 th of a gastrointestinal illness. Many believed he was murdered. On June 17, 1991 his family had his body exhumed to be analyzed for a poison. None was found.

Domestic Issues and Events 1849 California Gold Rush 1849 California asks for statehood 1850 Threatened to veto the Compromise of 1850

Foreign Policy and Events 1850 – Clayton-Bulwer Treaty – Treaty with Great Britain stipulated that a Central American Canal would be Neutral