How many US vice presidents went on to become president? This intriguing question has intrigued historians and political enthusiasts for years. The history of the United States is peppered with remarkable figures who served as vice presidents before ascending to the nation’s highest office. In this article, we will explore the fascinating journey of these vice presidents who made the leap to the presidency, highlighting their achievements and the unique circumstances that led to their rise to power.
The first US vice president to become president was John Adams, who served under George Washington. Adams, a Founding Father and a key figure in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, became the second president of the United States in 1797. His presidency was marked by the Quasi-War with France and the Alien and Sedition Acts, which were highly controversial at the time.
Another notable vice president who became president was Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson, who served as Adams’ vice president, assumed the presidency in 1801 after the controversial Adams administration. Jefferson’s presidency is remembered for his efforts to expand the country’s territory, including the Louisiana Purchase, and his advocacy for states’ rights and agrarianism.
Andrew Jackson, the seventh US president, is another example of a vice president who became president. Jackson served as the vice president under Martin Van Buren before assuming the presidency in 1829. His presidency was marked by the nullification crisis and the Trail of Tears, which led to the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands.
Martin Van Buren, who succeeded Jackson, is also a notable figure in this context. Van Buren, who was the eighth vice president, became the eighth president after Jackson’s second term. His presidency, which lasted from 1837 to 1841, was characterized by economic turmoil, including the Panic of 1837, and his efforts to maintain the balance of power between the federal government and the states.
James Buchanan, the 15th vice president, became the 15th president in 1857. Buchanan’s presidency is often criticized for its handling of the pre-Civil War tensions and his failure to prevent the outbreak of the Civil War. Despite his shortcomings, Buchanan’s tenure as president is a testament to the fact that a vice president can indeed rise to the nation’s highest office.
In more recent history, the most recent vice president to become president was Richard Nixon. Nixon served as the 36th vice president under Dwight D. Eisenhower before assuming the presidency in 1969. His presidency is remembered for the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to his resignation in 1974.
In conclusion, a total of eight US vice presidents have gone on to become president. These individuals have played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s history and governance. Their journeys from vice president to president illustrate the dynamic nature of American politics and the potential for political evolution within the highest echelons of power.
