#35: Zachary Taylor (1849-1850)

Zachary Taylor’s presidency, from 1849 to 1850, was marked by tensions over slavery and territorial expansion. Despite his military background, Taylor’s leadership style was criticized as passive and indecisive. He opposed the extension of slavery into newly acquired territories, but his sudden death after just 16 months in office left his presidency unfinished, leading to mixed views on his legacy.

In the midst of heated discussions on slavery, Zachary Taylor opted for a non-interventionist stance. He believed states should have the autonomy to regulate slavery laws independently, hoping to navigate around the contentious issue without directly confronting it.