Presidential Biographies | W. H. Harrison Administration - Harrison Becomes President

The William Henry Harrison Administration

William Henry Harrison was the first Whig to become U.S. president. Given the Whigs's commitment to weakening the power of the executive branch after years of its expansion under the control of the Democrats, Harrison's administration was plagued from the outset by rumors that the newly elected president was destined to be little more than a figurehead for more powerful party members. Although Harrison demonstrated a willingness to take independent action, he died after only one month in office, bequeathing the struggle for control over the Whig Party and the national agenda to his successor, Vice President John Tyler.

Harrison Becomes President

The Campaign of 1840

The presidential election of 1840 occupies an important place in the...