VP Ascension
From Vice President to President: U.S. Political History
The role of the Vice President of the United States is often seen as a stepping stone to the highest office in the land. Throughout American history, 15 vice presidents have ascended to the presidency, either through election or succession following the death or resignation of a sitting president. This article explores the paths these individuals took from the vice presidency to the Oval Office.
The Early Years: Founding Fathers and Political Rivals
John Adams was the first vice president under George Washington and later became the second president of the United States. Adams' tenure as vice president was marked by his frustration with the role, which he famously described as "the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived." Despite this, he successfully transitioned to the presidency in 1797.
Thomas Jefferson, who served as vice president under Adams, became the third president after defeating Adams in the contentious election of 1800. This election led to the passage of the Twelfth Amendment, which required separate electoral votes for president and vice president to prevent future electoral deadlocks.
The 19th Century: Succession and Election
Martin Van Buren served as vice president under Andrew Jackson before being elected president in 1836. Van Buren's presidency, however, was marred by economic difficulties, and he served only one term.
John Tyler was the first vice president to ascend to the presidency due to the death of a sitting president. When William Henry Harrison died just 31 days into his term, Tyler assumed the presidency, setting a precedent for vice presidential succession.
Millard Fillmore followed a similar path, becoming president after the death of Zachary Taylor in 1850. Fillmore's presidency was notable for his support of the Compromise of 1850, which attempted to ease tensions between slave and free states.
Andrew Johnson became president after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865. Johnson's presidency was tumultuous, marked by his impeachment by the House of Representatives, though he was acquitted by the Senate.
Chester A. Arthur assumed the presidency after the assassination of James A. Garfield in 1881. Arthur's administration is remembered for its civil service reforms, including the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act.
The 20th Century: From Crisis to Leadership
Theodore Roosevelt became president after the assassination of William McKinley in 1901. Roosevelt's dynamic leadership and progressive policies left a lasting impact on the nation, and he was later elected to a full term in his own right.
Calvin Coolidge ascended to the presidency following the death of Warren G. Harding in 1923. Coolidge's presidency is often associated with the economic prosperity of the Roaring Twenties, and he was elected to a full term in 1924.
Harry S. Truman became president after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945. Truman's presidency included the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. He was elected to a full term in 1948.
Lyndon B. Johnson assumed the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963. Johnson's presidency is noted for significant civil rights legislation and the escalation of the Vietnam War. He was elected to a full term in 1964.
Richard Nixon served as vice president under Dwight Eisenhower before being elected president in 1968. Nixon's presidency ended in resignation in 1974 due to the Watergate scandal.
Gerald Ford became president after Nixon's resignation, having been appointed vice president following Spiro Agnew's resignation. Ford is the only person to have served as both vice president and president without being elected to either office.
George H.W. Bush served as vice president under Ronald Reagan before being elected president in 1988. His presidency saw the end of the Cold War and the Gulf War.
Joe Biden served as vice president under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017 before being elected president in 2020. Biden's presidency has focused on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery.
The journey from vice president to president has been a common path in American political history. These 15 individuals have navigated the complexities of the vice presidency to ultimately lead the nation, each leaving their unique mark on the office and the country. Their stories reflect the evolving nature of American politics and the enduring importance of the vice presidency as a springboard to the highest office in the land.