What did Zachary Taylor do
Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States, served from 1849 until his death in 1850. Here are some of his notable actions:
1. Mexican-American War: During the war, Taylor commanded American forces and achieved victories in several battles, including the Battle of Palo Alto and the Battle of Buena Vista. His effective leadership in the war earned him the nickname "Old Rough and Ready."
2. Slavery and the Compromise of 1850: Taylor was a slave-owner himself, but he took a moderate stance on the issue of slavery. He opposed the extension of slavery to new territories but also opposed the idea of abolishing it, seeking to maintain a balance between the North and the South. His death in July 1850 stalled the debate on the Compromise of 1850, which eventually passed later that year.
3. Cabinet and administration: Taylor appointed several of his political rivals to his cabinet, following a "Union" cabinet concept, aiming to bridge the divide between the Whigs and Democrats. However, his administration was short-lived due to his death after serving only 16 months as president.
4. Native American policy: Taylor aimed to uphold treaties with Native American tribes and protect their rights. He opposed the forced relocation of Native Americans, supporting their land rights and advocating for fair treatment.
5. Infrastructure and public works: Taylor proposed numerous internal improvements, including the improvement of transportation systems, harbors, and roads in various parts of the country. However, many of these proposals did not come to fruition due to his short presidency.
Overall, Taylor's presidency was focused on preserving the Union and maintaining stability amidst growing tensions related to slavery, although his presidency was cut short before many of his plans could be fully realized.