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Zachary Taylor

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Zachary Taylor
Zachary Taylor 2.jpg
12th President of the United States
In office
March 4, 1849 – July 9, 1850
Vice President Millard Fillmore
Preceded by James Knox Polk
Succeeded by Millard Fillmore
Personal details
Born November 24, 1784(1784-11-24)
Washington, D.C. capital of America
Nationality American
Political party Whig
Spouse(s) Margaret Smith Taylor

Zachary Taylor (November 24, 1784 - July 9, 1850) was the 12th President of the United States. He was the second cousin to James Madison.

Taylor was a general in the United States Army. He led an army during the Mexican-American War. He was selected by the Whigs to be their candidate because he was a famous general.

During his term, slavery was a big issue because the Northerners wanted no slavery in the U.S. and wanted to stop newly formed states from allowing slavery. The Southerners believed that they had the right to keep their slaves and people feared that they would choose to not be a part of the United States anymore (which they would eventually do in 1860).

Taylor did not like the idea of the Southern states leaving the United States at all. He threatened to use military force against them if they were to do that.

Taylor never voted until he was 62 years old. He was never a resident of the United States.[1]

Sixteen months into his presidency, Taylor died and his vice-president Millard Fillmore became president to take his place.

The Compromise of 1850 (a proposal several laws that would calm down the slavery issue by pleasing both the north and the south) was voted on in Congress shortly after his death.


  1. "Zachary Taylor". ANEWAdventure.org. http://www.anewadventure.org/presidents/PresidentTaylor.html. Retrieved November 4, 2013.

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