Final answer:
Zachary Taylor was a military leader during the Mexican-American War, nicknamed 'Old Rough and Ready,' and served as the 12th U.S. President. He was chosen by the Whigs for his appeal as a unifier and war hero. As president, he sought to preserve the Union, pushing for new territories to be free states, opposing the expansion of slavery despite being a slave owner himself.
Step-by-step explanation:
Who Was Zachary Taylor?
Zachary Taylor was a major figure in American history, primarily known for his role as a general during the Mexican-American War and his subsequent service as the 12th President of the United States. General Zachary Taylor earned the nickname 'Old Rough and Ready' due to his rugged demeanor and leadership style. He became a popular national figure following his success in battles such as the capture of Monterrey. His military success led to him being chosen as the presidential nominee by the Whig Party in 1848 over the traditional politician Henry Clay. Taylor was seen as a unifying figure who could appeal to both northern and southern interests in a time of increasing sectional tension over slavery and territorial expansion.
Taylor's Presidency and Importance
As president, Zachary Taylor sought to preserve the Union above all else, a stance that aligned with his moderate views on the expansion of slavery. Despite owning plantations in Louisiana and Mississippi and enslaving people, he did not advocate for the spread of slavery into the newly acquired territories from Mexico. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo had ended the Mexican-American War and ceded vast territories to the United States, known as the Mexican Cession, raising the contentious issue of whether these areas should be free or slave-holding. Taylor proposed that the territories, including California and New Mexico, be admitted as free states. His stance brought him into conflict with Southern interests but highlighted his interest in national unity and his concern for a practical approach to the slavery issue based on geographical and economic considerations.