Franklin Pierce was another obscure and generally disliked President, although a tragic figure to boot. You should do a video on him when you get the chance. Great work as always :)
Franklin Pierce was the most tragic public figures in U.S. history. I doubt anyone would do story about him being the main person to talk about. He made his situation worse after his presidency!! He had No guts or spine on moral issues & he droke himself to the Death. A sad 😢 desolate after the death of his wife yrs earlier, who herself was Thee most reluctant 1st ladies in US History
@@eddieparker945 Also their only surviving child (a son) died in a horrific train accident just after he was elected president (but before he was inaugurate) which the President-elect and first lady were also in but survived, though they had to see what happened to their son. And then iirc she blamed him and his ambition for their son's death, which increased his depression and drinking.
I grew up in Richmond Virginia, I remember I used to be so scared of the graveyard where his tall monumental gravestone with Tower over everyone else. There were a few times he had to drive through there at night, always wondered what made Mr John Tyler so special. In the end, it was his lack of commitment to a single idea, and holding on to that which was already beginning to wither away. But, at the end of the day he lived a life worth learning about. I guess I can say, that's all that really matters at the end.
@@susanr1903 there have been lynchings of black people within my lifetime, in the very recent past there were black schools and white schools, etc. You're going to tell me that systemic racism is no longer a problem?
Love how Simon opened with how contentious the debate over who was the "best President" and who was the "worst President" is since I personally just started a personal project of studying the actual presidencies to reach my own conclusions on those matters. If I was not limiting to my analysis to what they did during their presidencies specifically, John Tyler I feel would be an easy winner for the title of the worst President in our nation's history. But since I do have that as part of my methodology, I am inclined to think there will be at least half a dozen men I will be ranking lower, still I do not expect him to rank very high. Wonderful work as always.
If it’s about the man not just what they did in office Hoover goes right up the list his humanitarian efforts are sadly overshadowed by his ineffective leadership with the depression
Tyler was also unpopular with his neighbors in Virginia after he left the presidency. He was "elected" overseer of roads in the county around his plantation. The position was seen as demeaning, and it was intended as an insult, but he took it seriously and frequently assigned various other planters road repair work to do, and they would have to send several slaves to do the work.
You are one of my favorite things about TH-cam. You easily have the best presidential content on the entire platform - that is a legitimate statement - and it is greatly appreciated. Just wanted to say thank you.
So... A very sound and wise strategic political move. Edging for Secretary of State or War? I've seen others like you! Aiming even higher eventually? Yessss!
You should do a video on Sam Houston, especially about how he pretty much called the Confederacy a bunch of morons that had really underestimated the people of the North, whom Southerners had always looked down on
@SophieBird07 In my school we basically just stopped at the civil war every year and then started over again the next year with the colonial era. No wonder 20% of Americans don't know what the Holocaust is, we weren't even taught there was a first world war let alone two of them.
I know most of the channel's viewers are Americans but I think it would be cool to cover Head of States from other countries. For Germany I suggest covering; Angela Merkal (Germany's longest reigning Chancellor), the first chancellor during the Waimer era, and the chancellor who unified East and West Germany. For Britain I suggest covering; Sunek (Britain's first Indian Prime Minister), Boris Johnson (UK's first populist PM), Willian Pitt (UK's leader during the Seven Years War), and Disraeli (UK's first Jewish PM). For Canada I suggest covering: Canada's first French PM and Justin Trudeau (Canada's current PM)
For Sweden I suggest: Olof Palme (first murdered prime minister, but interesting one before that). Louis the Geer the older and/or the younger (some of the few who belonged to no party - only father and son that I know of in Swedish politics). Tage Erlander (longest running prime minister - 23 years). Heck, an episode of the extremely long time our social democratic party held the power uninterrupted - 1936 to 1976 - would also be interesting.
And historical foreign ministers / secretaries of state - Metternich to Colbert to Machiavelli were "foreign secretaries" of the ruling families/heads of state of their day and location.
Personally, I don't think currect politicians are a good idea as topics. Current politics makes biases too fresh and the living are still doing stuff that could change their legacies.
I recalled there was a city in Texas named Tyler and so I googled after the video. Sure enough it’s named after this guy. I suppose it’s the least Texas could do for him.
I'm from and live in Tyler! It's awkward sometimes because they just changed the high schools' names away from him and Robert E Lee, but keep the name for the city. It's weird telling people where I'm from because they pretty much only know Dallas, Houston, etc
Still there are few places in the US named after Tyler. Maybe not to be confused by the more esteemed Zachary Taylor who also resided in the White House and died prematurely? Plenty of Taylor counties and towns named after him but not for Tyler.
I love seeing you facted checked by other youtubers. Peoples profile being one. Another I recently saw was vlogging through history about some US presidents. Thanks for your content on the many channels you have. Cheers mate from the US
I'm from Richmond va born and raised and I saw that they recently changed the name of the community colleges named after him. As an African American whom he would've wanted in shackles on a plantation somewhere, I'm very thankful for all the recent changes in my state. Thanks for another amazingly informative biographics Simon.
The problem with ranking US presidents is it turns into an exercise in partisanship, especially later Presidents. I remember one ranking list that had Obama at number one best President, yet he was only less than a year into his first term. That he was even included in this list at that time is silly.
@@troybaxter Some Presidents are more easily judged than others. Trump cemented his status as the worst President in US history two weeks before his term ended by trying to violently overthrow American democracy. Others take longer to evaluate, and their legacies change to some extent based on the concerns of subsequent generations. Obama’s failure to adequately recognize and work to forestall Russian malevolence didn’t seem to have serious consequences (unless you’re Syrian) until last year, but in hindsight gave an impression of an American lack of resolve that Putin saw as a green light for future aggression.
@@troybaxter Bush is still too early. Hes still too close to everyone living now. Obama and Trump cant properly be ranked because you have half of the country ranking both as one of the better ones, and half of the country ranking both of them as one of the worst. Its totally enflamed in partisanship and what your politics are. I am ok with people putting Obama or Trump where they want........but i simply refuse to compromise with anyone on Biden. Theres literally no President in history that did anything remotely comparable to leaving 80 billion in military equipment to the Taliban. I know all 45 Presidents including their terms......and Biden is the first time that i can easily and confidently rate someone worse than Pierce, Buchanan, and Harding. A level of incompetenance thats staggering
9:54 "Between 1800 and 1968, only one man who had previously served as Vice President had been elected in his own right." - Thomas Jefferson - VP to Adams Sr. - elected 1800 - Martin Van Buren - VP to Jackson - elected 1836
Former Pres. Franklin Pierce was alive during the Civil War and, like Tyler, did not support the Northern position, even though he lived in New Hampshire. He did write a letter during the secession crisis appealing to the people of Alabama to remain in the Union, but this was because, unlike many Northern Democrats, Pierce wanted to avoid war at all costs. Wrote Pierce, "I will never justify, sustain or in any way or to any extent uphold this cruel, heartless, aimless, unnecessary war." Pierce had a close friendship with Jefferson Davis and opposed Lincoln’s suspension of habeas corpus. He proposed an assembly of former U.S. presidents to resolve the secession issue, but his proposal went nowhere. He was repeatedly accused of disloyalty to the Union and even of plotting to overthrow the government. Pierce gave a speech to New Hampshire Democrats in July 1863 vilifying Lincoln even as the Union was achieving its victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg. Some Democrats tried to place Pierce's name in nomination for the 1864 presidential election, but Pierce wasn’t interested. When Lincoln was assassinated in April 1865, a mob gathered outside Pierce's home in New Hampshire, demanding to know why he hadn’t raised a flag as a public gesture of mourning.
Lincoln was objectively worse. Where Van Buren did nothing during the secession crisis, Abraham Lincoln made the situation _worse_ and then came out the other end as America’s first Caesar.
Thank you all so much to all who worked on this. I love the history of the slow motion train wreck that led to the American Civil War. Speaking of train wrecks, something on Brexit would be hilarious.......or is it too soon? Or too painful for Tories?
What a wonderful presentation! You certainly made it so very interesting by weaving the facts in to captivating stories! And who doesn’t love a good story?
I think nowadays more and more people are starting to attribute Harrison’s death to Cholera from drinking the DC water.DC’s water infrastructure and sewer was pretty bad during the team.Harrison,Polk,and Taylor two of whom died in office and Polk who died a month after all said that they suffered gastrointestinal issues in office.
Up until the last decade of the 19th century. People assigned by foreign governments to Washington in their embassy, were given an additional stipend because Washington was considered a 'hardship posting'. Unpaved streets, malarial swamps, little street lighting, mosquitos (Yellow Fever), unsanitary conditions, few good restaurants.
I always like the work this presenter does. He brings himself to the vlog or podcast. He is intelligent, interested in his topic& has done his homework. It’s great to see & hear him.
welcome to the Whistlerverse Simon, our benevolent Fact Boi overlord, shall spew information through your auditory and ocular orifices and slowly take over your recommended videos soon all you see, hear, or dream about will be _the BeArD_ eventually you will go far enough down the rabbit hole to know who ETK is ..........
I agree, but to be fair he has quite a team behind him. He basically just reads the script that his team gives him, but they are the ones doing all the research behind the videos. He is the nucleus and originator though so he does deserve a lot of the credit.
This silly brit ignores the glorious fact that it was John Tyler, not Stonewall Jackson who was the beneficiary of the only state funeral held by the Confederate States of America! Over the objection of Tyler's own family, President Davis ensured that Tyler lay in state as a former president and was appropriately honored.
There are numerous reasons to dislike Tyler, but all future Presidents owe him a debt. Tyler's insistence that he had the full powers of the Presidency ensured that future holders of the office would be more than just a figurehead. I recommend the book "Accidental Presidents" by Jared Cohen. He gives a good account of the Tyler presidency, as well as of the other Vice-Presidents who inherited the office.
The final words of the video really do stand out. Tyler isn't talked about or taught about in America, much if at all. He really is just a name to memorize for most of the country, if that. Without a legacy, but only a bad legacy if any. Perhaps this is different in some places in the country.
I mean to be fair that's the case with most presidents seems school is mostly considered about memorization other than the founders and some modern day presidents I don't remember ever taking much time to talk about the other presidents
Depends on where your from. I'm from VA. Went to a high school named after a famous civil war historian and author. We were taught about ALL the VA Presidents and how great they all were. It's only later that we found out Jefferson wasn't all that great, Tyler, Taylor and Wilson were horrible and everything we were taught is propaganda. At least we still have Washington
@@wingracer1614 I went to school in KY. I still remember the expression of disgust on the face of the history teacher in Jr HS when we covered the topic of manifest destiny. As for the rest of US history, it seemed like there was an attempt to be fair except when it came to Reconstruction. Other than the impossibility of eliminating the bias of historians, there are 2 key problems in teaching kids about history: 1) Kids most likely don't trust you; 2) There isn't enough time to cover everything. The best a history teacher can do is to admit up front that any history is influenced by the point of view of the historian; that there isn't enough time to cover everything; and that you should read history on your own and make up your own mind about what happened, and why. BTW, Jefferson is still one of my heroes. He wasn't perfect, but he was close...
@@groussac Don't get me wrong, there is a lot to like about Jefferson. I mean I'm virginian and a lover of wine and classical music, it's like we're kin, LOL. My point is that in my schools, he was taught as being practically a demigod. It's only later I learned he was a much more nuanced character and not all of those nuances were good. Like all the founding fathers that they loved to put on a pedestal, they were human beings with all the same flaws we have. And let's talk about Sherman. Here's a guy that my teachers very nearly ignored. He was mentioned here or there but mostly glossed over and on those rare occasions when he was mentioned, portrayed as the antichrist. As opposed to Lee who was the greatest general in the history of all mankind. A true saint among all us poor sinners. Fortunately my love of military history led to many more studies to find that Sherman is someone that should have been taught much more. The man was brilliant, practical and daring in all the right proportions. Possibly the greatest military mind this country has produced or at least top five and he was a vilified afterthought in my classes. But what do you expect growing up in the capitol of the confederacy. At least they took down Lee's statue at last.
Good morning, Simon! I love the stuff you present on all of your programs. You might want to do some Biographics about the US vice presidents who didn't win the presidency afterwards.
Always enjoy a Biographics on a President, good video as always from the crew. Idk if he is the worst or most hated, but it's always fascinating learning about these old guys.
A fascinating historical figure I think you should cover is the legendary Seminole Chief Osceola. He was done dirty at the end when the American's captured him and it caused considerable controversy amongst even white Americans who viewed his capture as shady.
Harrison giving a nearly 2 hour long inauguration speech (to this day, a record for longest inauguration speech in history), in the rain in winter, and then dying of pneumonia that he caught from being out in freezing rain for 3 hours, always makes me laugh
@@dougmcelroy3780 That is a myth. Yes, he didn't wear a coat on a chilly day, true, but autopsies of his remains have concluded that he die by drinking D.C.'s contaminated water.
So America never has a strong government? According to the standard of a democratic, social and liberal country they teach at schools in my country, America doesn't fit the picture. 😅
And yet he joined one at the end of his life that existed for the sole, single, solitary, exclusive purpose of preserving and, if they could have gotten away with it, further propagating an institution that denied to millions freedom to be regarded by law at a higher social status than an end table.
That's the whole point of the system. It is not reliant on one guy. The President's power is really quite limited. And if he does suck, we don't have to assassinate him or anything, just wait it out a few years for the next election. Remember that next time local or congressional races come around.
This is the first Biographics where I found … incomplete balance. In Recarving Rushmore, Ivan Eland ranks all US presidents upon four criteria only: Adherence to the Constitution, and their influence upon Peace, Prosperity and the Liberty of the nations citizens. Now, Eland is a Libertarian, not an R or a D, and I know that L’s get a bit weird, especially when it comes to issues of centralized government power. Still. It is fascinating that Eland ranks Tyler as the greatest president in US history. (Followed by Grover Cleveland) Do I personally agree? No; yet Tyler did follow our Constitution better than any of his peers, at the cost of his own political career. Also, according to Eland- “Tyler’s greatest triumph may have been in reversing the terrible policies toward Native Americans perpetrated by his predecessors, Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren.” Given that so many presidents from McKinley on have grabbed more and more power into the Executive branch, and have started wars without asking Congress, I most certainly would not rank Tyler among the worst.
For a forgotten President, Tyler sure had a huge effect on the trajectory of this country. His actions lead to the additions of the entire Southwest and the settling of the border with Maine. He completely altered the path of the US economy by thwarting Clay's agenda. And his actions were the first step towards bringing the country towards civil war.
As much as I love your channel, it started to focus more on American personalities and being someone interested more in world history than US history, some clips made me check the channel less than I usually did. Having such great and quality content, I'd wish to see more videos on people across the world. We have scientists, we have political leaders, people who inspire. For example I'd be more interested in key communist leaders from Eastern Europe than in wild west vigilantes that i'd never heared about. More african people who influenced their countries, people from post-war Japan(Yukio Mishima for example though I did not check if you made a bio on him).
@@ethandoyle8812 i'm subscribed at at least half of them but thus far as I am interested in history, this one is my favourite. I just stated my opinion politely
@@traeherren2269 better would be to say 'the team' not the man since there are at least 10 people involved in his channels. I just stated my opinion as a long-time subscriber
@NoOne-kr4jc we are talking policy and how they negatively effected the country/world. Johnson was a terrible president, Buchanan was just there more or less and Trumps policy actually helped a lot of people. While Willson is at least partially responsible for most of if not all major issues we face today.
As far as the worst 19th century. President, it's hard to beat Buchanan. BTW, few people know that Lincoln was an outspoken opponent of the Mexican War, at a time when the war was popular. That speaks very well of his noble character and deep sense of right and wrong.
Your video commentary proves he was a good President. America would be a better nation to have another Tyler. Andrew Jackson, America's best President, said his best act was to "kill the bank." Tyler, not folding from pressure from his corrupt Whig Party, made sure the bank stayed dead. Thank you President Tyler. I've visited his grave at Hollywood cemetery, my favorite graveyard, with 3 Presidents, including Jefferson Davis.
One thing I didn't hear you mention is that Texas is still a republic. We retain the right to succeed from the union if we so choose too and out state flag is flown at the same height as the US flag. We Texans are a proud (possibly arrogant) bunch.
??? This would not hold up in any constitutional court case. Texas was annexed by the U.S. and gave up any independence willingly. Where is any evidence of what you are saying??
9:50 maybe I’m confused but does Jefferson and van buren not both count? Are you just counting van buren bc Jefferson’s first term started in the 18th century? If so, he was elected in the 19th as well so what’s the deal?
If anything, the groundwork of Texas annexation (however flawed his motives were) and the precedent of Presidential succession are the only major 'achievements' Tyler made as President. Still, always worth an interesting biography of another US President
You missed the interesting factoid that Harrison was the first president to have his veto overridden. The first! It was on an unimportant minor issue, but there it is.
Don't tap dance around the issue. Tyler supported whatever stance would help preserve slavery. Tyler was the only American president who philosophically viewed slavery as a positive good. Even Jackson believed that the institution someday would have to come to an end.
I was engaged to Calhoun's direct descendant and can speak with authority to the fact that every male member of his family reaching all the way back to John was severely bipolar. Don't tell ME mental illness is only a tragedy to the individual's family. Calhoun was a national tragedy.
He was called the President without a party but before he left office a large send-off was held for him. In one of his only time of wit he said at the event " they can't say I'm a President without a party".
Hopefully Biographics with be able to make videos on these people in the foreseeable future: Charles Evans Hughes Eugene V Debs Henry A. Wallace Robert La Follette Sr. Patrice Lamumba Chester A. Arthur Thomas Jefferson Upton Sinclair Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin Rutherford B. Hayes
Get an exclusive NordVPN deal here: nordvpn.com/bio - It's risk-free with Nords 30-Day money-back guarantee!
I'd like to see Martin Van Buren or Andrew Johnson, or Millard Fillmore
Do one on Joe Biden!!
Do a follow up to the infamous Battle of Tippecanoe. The Prophet and Tecumseh.
Aahh...a depressing comedy
Please do one on Sakamoto Ryoma! I’m on my hands and knees!
It's incredible that one of John Tyler's grandchildren is still alive today. And I think a second one barely died in 2019.
How do you barely die?
@@mistervacation23 Street slang: barely died = a short time ago.
@@diegopons4622 i got to get out more
@@mistervacation23 We all have to get out more. Fresh air is good.
Barely died?
Franklin Pierce was another obscure and generally disliked President, although a tragic figure to boot. You should do a video on him when you get the chance. Great work as always :)
I’m sure he will eventually cover him
Franklin Pierce was the most tragic public figures in U.S. history. I doubt anyone would do story about him being the main person to talk about. He made his situation worse after his presidency!! He had No guts or spine on moral issues & he droke himself to the Death. A sad 😢 desolate after the death of his wife yrs earlier, who herself was Thee most reluctant 1st ladies in US History
@@eddieparker945 after his presidency hecklers would sometimes show up to his house
I had long forgotten that Franklin Pierce even WAS a president!... Talk about leaving a "lasting legacy..."
@@eddieparker945 Also their only surviving child (a son) died in a horrific train accident just after he was elected president (but before he was inaugurate) which the President-elect and first lady were also in but survived, though they had to see what happened to their son. And then iirc she blamed him and his ambition for their son's death, which increased his depression and drinking.
I grew up in Richmond Virginia, I remember I used to be so scared of the graveyard where his tall monumental gravestone with Tower over everyone else. There were a few times he had to drive through there at night, always wondered what made Mr John Tyler so special. In the end, it was his lack of commitment to a single idea, and holding on to that which was already beginning to wither away. But, at the end of the day he lived a life worth learning about. I guess I can say, that's all that really matters at the end.
How many cameos is *Henry Clay* is going to get on Biographics before he gets his own episode?
Henry Clay is still alive, so it’s hard to write a full biography until a hero plunges a magic sword into his soul container.
@@ridureyu You must be thinking of a different Henry Clay as the congressman has been dead for over a century.
@@badluck5647r/whoooosh
@@badluck5647 no, undead. That’s why he put his soul into a magical container that can only be destroyed with a magical sword.
@@ridureyu I thought you were being metaphoric.
Either way, you are an odd one.
Oh good! I was hoping for another Biographics President video! Thanks Simon!
I really want a video about William Westmoreland, the general that lost Vietnam
1:45 - Chapter 1 - Virginia gentleman
4:45 - Chapter 2 - Ideological purity
7:10 - Mid roll ads
8:40 - Chapter 3 - His accidency
11:45 - Chapter 4 - President without a party
14:30 - Chapter 5 - Lone star fever
17:55 - Chapter 6 - The traitor president
god bless
thank you i wanted to rewatch a chapter and time stamps make it so much easier
Thank you :)
MVP
Andrew Johnson would like to have a word with you. He botched reconstruction so bad we’re still dealing with the problems it caused.
I would say that it had been largely healed by the time of the first Roosevelt but Wilson set it on fire.
No we're not
@@susanr1903 yes we are
@@michaelw6277 how do you think we are ....???
@@susanr1903 there have been lynchings of black people within my lifetime, in the very recent past there were black schools and white schools, etc. You're going to tell me that systemic racism is no longer a problem?
Well, as long as he was President, Tyler could take comfort in knowing that he was one of the Top 10 Presidents in US History.
Love how Simon opened with how contentious the debate over who was the "best President" and who was the "worst President" is since I personally just started a personal project of studying the actual presidencies to reach my own conclusions on those matters. If I was not limiting to my analysis to what they did during their presidencies specifically, John Tyler I feel would be an easy winner for the title of the worst President in our nation's history. But since I do have that as part of my methodology, I am inclined to think there will be at least half a dozen men I will be ranking lower, still I do not expect him to rank very high.
Wonderful work as always.
Buchanan, Wilson, Hoover, for sure. And probably Jackson and Harding as well.
The worst president in history is either Woodrow Wilson or Woodrow Wilson. Take your pick
@@d0nn13m0n0 I’ll pick Wilson.
@@brendanbrown3100 Woodrow was much worse.
If it’s about the man not just what they did in office Hoover goes right up the list his humanitarian efforts are sadly overshadowed by his ineffective leadership with the depression
Tyler was also unpopular with his neighbors in Virginia after he left the presidency. He was "elected" overseer of roads in the county around his plantation. The position was seen as demeaning, and it was intended as an insult, but he took it seriously and frequently assigned various other planters road repair work to do, and they would have to send several slaves to do the work.
You are one of my favorite things about TH-cam. You easily have the best presidential content on the entire platform - that is a legitimate statement - and it is greatly appreciated. Just wanted to say thank you.
seconded
So...
A very sound and wise strategic political move.
Edging for
Secretary of State or War?
I've seen others like you!
Aiming even higher eventually?
Yessss!
Wow. Super appreciate this series. Can't wait for more.
You should do a video on Sam Houston, especially about how he pretty much called the Confederacy a bunch of morons that had really underestimated the people of the North, whom Southerners had always looked down on
Sam Houston was an illegal immigrant
A great man indeed!
@MrRdparri and here we are again the Republicans of Texas kicking around succession.
We still do🤣
@@MrRdparri
If only he had lived a few more years, the sheer cascading amounts of smugness that he could have fueled him after the CSA lost.
👏👏👏 You got it Simone. I knew Harrison Tyler's wife. They live where I worked. He has dementia now, but was/is proud of his grandfather.
As a 70-year-old American, I can honestly say that I've been learning more from your bios of American presidents than I ever did in school. Great job!
Me to!
Pay attention
@@blackmandoingblackthings3813 I do, but public school is not that conducive to education.
@SophieBird07
In my school we basically just stopped at the civil war every year and then started over again the next year with the colonial era.
No wonder 20% of Americans don't know what the Holocaust is, we weren't even taught there was a first world war let alone two of them.
Rigging endorsement of the american education system everyone
I know most of the channel's viewers are Americans but I think it would be cool to cover Head of States from other countries.
For Germany I suggest covering; Angela Merkal (Germany's longest reigning Chancellor), the first chancellor during the Waimer era, and the chancellor who unified East and West Germany.
For Britain I suggest covering; Sunek (Britain's first Indian Prime Minister), Boris Johnson (UK's first populist PM), Willian Pitt (UK's leader during the Seven Years War), and Disraeli (UK's first Jewish PM).
For Canada I suggest covering: Canada's first French PM and Justin Trudeau (Canada's current PM)
Good idea, we get so much info on our leaders in school, learning about other leaders would be great.
For Sweden I suggest: Olof Palme (first murdered prime minister, but interesting one before that). Louis the Geer the older and/or the younger (some of the few who belonged to no party - only father and son that I know of in Swedish politics). Tage Erlander (longest running prime minister - 23 years). Heck, an episode of the extremely long time our social democratic party held the power uninterrupted - 1936 to 1976 - would also be interesting.
And historical foreign ministers / secretaries of state - Metternich to Colbert to Machiavelli were "foreign secretaries" of the ruling families/heads of state of their day and location.
Personally, I don't think currect politicians are a good idea as topics. Current politics makes biases too fresh and the living are still doing stuff that could change their legacies.
@@sarahhomrighausen7349 I believe he covered Metternich in a past video
I recalled there was a city in Texas named Tyler and so I googled after the video. Sure enough it’s named after this guy. I suppose it’s the least Texas could do for him.
I'm from and live in Tyler! It's awkward sometimes because they just changed the high schools' names away from him and Robert E Lee, but keep the name for the city. It's weird telling people where I'm from because they pretty much only know Dallas, Houston, etc
Still there are few places in the US named after Tyler. Maybe not to be confused by the more esteemed Zachary Taylor who also resided in the White House and died prematurely? Plenty of Taylor counties and towns named after him but not for Tyler.
I love seeing you facted checked by other youtubers. Peoples profile being one. Another I recently saw was vlogging through history about some US presidents. Thanks for your content on the many channels you have. Cheers mate from the US
Oh happy day! A new biographics episode! So many SW channels, so little time! 😉
I'm from Richmond va born and raised and I saw that they recently changed the name of the community colleges named after him. As an African American whom he would've wanted in shackles on a plantation somewhere, I'm very thankful for all the recent changes in my state. Thanks for another amazingly informative biographics Simon.
It’s amazing that two of John Tyler’s grandsons (Yes, grandsons!) were still alive in 2020.
Pawn Stars
Your President videos are such a joy :)
The problem with ranking US presidents is it turns into an exercise in partisanship, especially later Presidents.
I remember one ranking list that had Obama at number one best President, yet he was only less than a year into his first term. That he was even included in this list at that time is silly.
You really can't judge a president until 5 to ten years later bare minimum. Some presidents it takes decades to notice.
@@jaketheberge1970 I’d argue not even then. I think now we can judge Bush, but even today I would say we can’t rank Obama.
The worst president of all time for me is biden
@@troybaxter Some Presidents are more easily judged than others. Trump cemented his status as the worst President in US history two weeks before his term ended by trying to violently overthrow American democracy. Others take longer to evaluate, and their legacies change to some extent based on the concerns of subsequent generations. Obama’s failure to adequately recognize and work to forestall Russian malevolence didn’t seem to have serious consequences (unless you’re Syrian) until last year, but in hindsight gave an impression of an American lack of resolve that Putin saw as a green light for future aggression.
@@troybaxter Bush is still too early. Hes still too close to everyone living now. Obama and Trump cant properly be ranked because you have half of the country ranking both as one of the better ones, and half of the country ranking both of them as one of the worst. Its totally enflamed in partisanship and what your politics are. I am ok with people putting Obama or Trump where they want........but i simply refuse to compromise with anyone on Biden. Theres literally no President in history that did anything remotely comparable to leaving 80 billion in military equipment to the Taliban. I know all 45 Presidents including their terms......and Biden is the first time that i can easily and confidently rate someone worse than Pierce, Buchanan, and Harding. A level of incompetenance thats staggering
Look, I’m glad y’all are doing the lesser known presidents, but it’s almost criminal that Andrew “Old Hickory” Jackson doesn’t have a video yet.
9:54 "Between 1800 and 1968, only one man who had previously served as Vice President had been elected in his own right."
- Thomas Jefferson - VP to Adams Sr. - elected 1800
- Martin Van Buren - VP to Jackson - elected 1836
He was excluding 1800 and 1968 (Nixon being the latter.) Also the presidents who had succeeded on the death of a former president.
You left out LBJ.
@@sydhenderson6753 Bingo. Well done.
George HW Bush
@@alicemoore2036 we are talking the 19th century.
Former Pres. Franklin Pierce was alive during the Civil War and, like Tyler, did not support the Northern position, even though he lived in New Hampshire. He did write a letter during the secession crisis appealing to the people of Alabama to remain in the Union, but this was because, unlike many Northern Democrats, Pierce wanted to avoid war at all costs. Wrote Pierce, "I will never justify, sustain or in any way or to any extent uphold this cruel, heartless, aimless, unnecessary war."
Pierce had a close friendship with Jefferson Davis and opposed Lincoln’s suspension of habeas corpus. He proposed an assembly of former U.S. presidents to resolve the secession issue, but his proposal went nowhere. He was repeatedly accused of disloyalty to the Union and even of plotting to overthrow the government. Pierce gave a speech to New Hampshire Democrats in July 1863 vilifying Lincoln even as the Union was achieving its victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg.
Some Democrats tried to place Pierce's name in nomination for the 1864 presidential election, but Pierce wasn’t interested. When Lincoln was assassinated in April 1865, a mob gathered outside Pierce's home in New Hampshire, demanding to know why he hadn’t raised a flag as a public gesture of mourning.
I also believe Franklyn Pierce has been given a bad rep by people who bend history to suit their own viewpoints.
Idk. James Buchanan was from the 19th century and he was always considered the worst one we ever had.
So was Andrew Johnson and he basically set up the stage for the birth of the Klu Klux Klan
Lincoln was objectively worse. Where Van Buren did nothing during the secession crisis, Abraham Lincoln made the situation _worse_ and then came out the other end as America’s first Caesar.
@@MatthewChenault Nonsense.
The 21st century has unseated him by producing the worst of all time. Donald Trump
Did he pull a Jan 6 tho…
Thank you all so much to all who worked on this. I love the history of the slow motion train wreck that led to the American Civil War.
Speaking of train wrecks, something on Brexit would be hilarious.......or is it too soon? Or too painful for Tories?
@@john-paulhunt coming from people who smash up colleges when there are speakers there that they don't like?
Biden: "Hold my beer".
"Hold my ice cream cone, and Hunter's crack pipe."
"Hold my beer...oops too late!"
Biden is way better than your daddy Trump 😂 He actually got shi done
@@ayethegoatRight at the edge of WW3
@@ChrisF-jt1qf we’ve been there since 2000 buddy but keep believing propaganda
John Tyler has a living grandson. His other grandson just died a few years ago.
Considering we’re taking about the 1800’s I assume there is quite a few greats in front of that Grandson
No it’s his actual grandson
@@GregH25 you’d think but nope lol. Multiple generations marrying and conceiving a child in very old age.
Yeah he remarried late in life to a young wife. It’s definitely his grandson
That just what I was gonna ask too...if it was great-grandson or grandson. That's amazing. He must be up there in years..🙂
Great video! You should do a video about Billy Graham or William Faulkner.
What a wonderful presentation! You certainly made it so very interesting by weaving the facts in to captivating stories! And who doesn’t love a good story?
I think nowadays more and more people are starting to attribute Harrison’s death to Cholera from drinking the DC water.DC’s water infrastructure and sewer was pretty bad during the team.Harrison,Polk,and Taylor two of whom died in office and Polk who died a month after all said that they suffered gastrointestinal issues in office.
Up until the last decade of the 19th century. People assigned by foreign governments to Washington in their embassy, were given an additional stipend because Washington was considered a 'hardship posting'. Unpaved streets, malarial swamps, little street lighting, mosquitos (Yellow Fever), unsanitary conditions, few good restaurants.
Would you be willing to do a Biographics on Simon Whistler?
I always like the work this presenter does. He brings himself to the vlog or podcast. He is intelligent, interested in his topic& has done his homework. It’s great to see & hear him.
welcome to the Whistlerverse
Simon, our benevolent Fact Boi overlord, shall spew information through your auditory and ocular orifices and slowly take over your recommended videos
soon all you see, hear, or dream about will be _the BeArD_
eventually you will go far enough down the rabbit hole to know who ETK is ..........
I agree, but to be fair he has quite a team behind him. He basically just reads the script that his team gives him, but they are the ones doing all the research behind the videos. He is the nucleus and originator though so he does deserve a lot of the credit.
John Tyler was one of our best Presidents
A living grandchild in 2023 is truly unbelievable
It’s cool to hear your hometown shouted out in a biographics vid💪🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
This silly brit ignores the glorious fact that it was John Tyler, not Stonewall Jackson who was the beneficiary of the only state funeral held by the Confederate States of America! Over the objection of Tyler's own family, President Davis ensured that Tyler lay in state as a former president and was appropriately honored.
@ 5.20
Thank you for this explanation. It makes sense. I've never heard it before.
Would love to see Sasaki Kojiro next.
There are numerous reasons to dislike Tyler, but all future Presidents owe him a debt. Tyler's insistence that he had the full powers of the Presidency ensured that future holders of the office would be more than just a figurehead. I recommend the book "Accidental Presidents" by Jared Cohen. He gives a good account of the Tyler presidency, as well as of the other Vice-Presidents who inherited the office.
The final words of the video really do stand out. Tyler isn't talked about or taught about in America, much if at all. He really is just a name to memorize for most of the country, if that. Without a legacy, but only a bad legacy if any. Perhaps this is different in some places in the country.
I mean to be fair that's the case with most presidents seems school is mostly considered about memorization other than the founders and some modern day presidents I don't remember ever taking much time to talk about the other presidents
Yup I came here to say the same. This video taught me more about him than school did.
Depends on where your from. I'm from VA. Went to a high school named after a famous civil war historian and author. We were taught about ALL the VA Presidents and how great they all were. It's only later that we found out Jefferson wasn't all that great, Tyler, Taylor and Wilson were horrible and everything we were taught is propaganda. At least we still have Washington
@@wingracer1614 I went to school in KY. I still remember the expression of disgust on the face of the history teacher in Jr HS when we covered the topic of manifest destiny. As for the rest of US history, it seemed like there was an attempt to be fair except when it came to Reconstruction. Other than the impossibility of eliminating the bias of historians, there are 2 key problems in teaching kids about history: 1) Kids most likely don't trust you; 2) There isn't enough time to cover everything. The best a history teacher can do is to admit up front that any history is influenced by the point of view of the historian; that there isn't enough time to cover everything; and that you should read history on your own and make up your own mind about what happened, and why. BTW, Jefferson is still one of my heroes. He wasn't perfect, but he was close...
@@groussac Don't get me wrong, there is a lot to like about Jefferson. I mean I'm virginian and a lover of wine and classical music, it's like we're kin, LOL. My point is that in my schools, he was taught as being practically a demigod. It's only later I learned he was a much more nuanced character and not all of those nuances were good. Like all the founding fathers that they loved to put on a pedestal, they were human beings with all the same flaws we have.
And let's talk about Sherman. Here's a guy that my teachers very nearly ignored. He was mentioned here or there but mostly glossed over and on those rare occasions when he was mentioned, portrayed as the antichrist. As opposed to Lee who was the greatest general in the history of all mankind. A true saint among all us poor sinners. Fortunately my love of military history led to many more studies to find that Sherman is someone that should have been taught much more. The man was brilliant, practical and daring in all the right proportions. Possibly the greatest military mind this country has produced or at least top five and he was a vilified afterthought in my classes. But what do you expect growing up in the capitol of the confederacy. At least they took down Lee's statue at last.
Fun fact: Henry Clay is an ancestor of mine!
Well, it was a fun fact for me. 🙂
He looks a little rumpled
Good morning, Simon!
I love the stuff you present on all of your programs.
You might want to do some Biographics about the US vice presidents who didn't win the presidency afterwards.
Simon is the best - and so are you!
@@davidlester1736 Thank you, whoever you are.
Back in the 90’s I was in one of the toughest gangs in the five burrows…The Van Buren Boys. 8 for life homie!!
Would love to see a George Wallace Biographics!
His Accidency, John Tyler.
Can you do one about William Pitt the Younger please!
Tippecanoe and Tyler too.
If Tyler didn't like "his accidency" he shoulda just returned those letters unopened too :p
He did.
“Tippecanoe and Tyler too!”
Always enjoy a Biographics on a President, good video as always from the crew.
Idk if he is the worst or most hated, but it's always fascinating learning about these old guys.
A fascinating historical figure I think you should cover is the legendary Seminole Chief Osceola. He was done dirty at the end when the American's captured him and it caused considerable controversy amongst even white Americans who viewed his capture as shady.
"Hey, VSauce, Michael here."
Now I have to comb through Biographics & see if you've done Polk, or Harrison!
Simon needs to bring back his fly ass old shirts and sponsor them.
11:37 "His Accidency" 😆
Try 11:30
Harrison giving a nearly 2 hour long inauguration speech (to this day, a record for longest inauguration speech in history), in the rain in winter, and then dying of pneumonia that he caught from being out in freezing rain for 3 hours, always makes me laugh
He wanted to prove he was an educated man, not just a military man. Didn't end well, did it?
@@dougmcelroy3780 That is a myth. Yes, he didn't wear a coat on a chilly day, true, but autopsies of his remains have concluded that he die by drinking D.C.'s contaminated water.
It has been a while since I've watched Biographics
Why Johnny Tyler, madcap. Where you going with that shotgun?
“I contend that the strongest of all government is that which is most free”
John Tyler
So America never has a strong government? According to the standard of a democratic, social and liberal country they teach at schools in my country, America doesn't fit the picture. 😅
And yet he joined one at the end of his life that existed for the sole, single, solitary, exclusive purpose of preserving and, if they could have gotten away with it, further propagating an institution that denied to millions freedom to be regarded by law at a higher social status than an end table.
@ 1:21 ... "when he advocated for succession ..." The word you're looking for is "secession."
I think it is remarkable that America can have such presidents like John Tyler and others but still survive and push through as a country.
That's the whole point of the system. It is not reliant on one guy. The President's power is really quite limited. And if he does suck, we don't have to assassinate him or anything, just wait it out a few years for the next election. Remember that next time local or congressional races come around.
John Tyler wasn't that bad, Buchanan, Pierce and Johnson were MUCH worse
This is the first Biographics where I found … incomplete balance.
In Recarving Rushmore, Ivan Eland ranks all US presidents upon four criteria only:
Adherence to the Constitution, and their influence upon Peace, Prosperity and the Liberty of the nations citizens.
Now, Eland is a Libertarian, not an R or a D, and I know that L’s get a bit weird, especially when it comes to issues of centralized government power.
Still. It is fascinating that Eland ranks Tyler as the greatest president in US history.
(Followed by Grover Cleveland)
Do I personally agree? No; yet Tyler did follow our Constitution better than any of his peers, at the cost of his own political career.
Also, according to Eland-
“Tyler’s greatest triumph may have been in reversing the terrible policies toward Native Americans perpetrated by his predecessors, Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren.”
Given that so many presidents from McKinley on have grabbed more and more power into the Executive branch, and have started wars without asking Congress, I most certainly would not rank Tyler among the worst.
“I can never consent to being dictated to.” -John Tyler
For a forgotten President, Tyler sure had a huge effect on the trajectory of this country. His actions lead to the additions of the entire Southwest and the settling of the border with Maine. He completely altered the path of the US economy by thwarting Clay's agenda. And his actions were the first step towards bringing the country towards civil war.
Crazy how he still has a living grandchild
Thank u for the extended lesson. Very interesting. Peace
Biden: hold my ice cream cone
I’ve got to be honest he can’t be that hated I’ve never heard of him
Brandon has the prize of least liked.
John Tyler can rest easy now. He has been overshadowed by the current resident.
As much as I love your channel, it started to focus more on American personalities and being someone interested more in world history than US history, some clips made me check the channel less than I usually did. Having such great and quality content, I'd wish to see more videos on people across the world. We have scientists, we have political leaders, people who inspire. For example I'd be more interested in key communist leaders from Eastern Europe than in wild west vigilantes that i'd never heared about. More african people who influenced their countries, people from post-war Japan(Yukio Mishima for example though I did not check if you made a bio on him).
Let the man make what he wants. You are free to make your own videos.
He has like ten channels, no exaggeration, so you may want to check the others and see if one fits better.
@@ethandoyle8812 i'm subscribed at at least half of them but thus far as I am interested in history, this one is my favourite. I just stated my opinion politely
@@traeherren2269 better would be to say 'the team' not the man since there are at least 10 people involved in his channels. I just stated my opinion as a long-time subscriber
Roman Emperors and American Presidents get views. I'm not sure there are many left that he hasn't covered.
A biographics video about Orville Gibson or Les Paul would be awesome.
Or at least ruPaul?
Woodrow Wilson is 100% the worst of all time
The closest we’ve had to a dictator. O and B are trying though.
@@alicemoore2036Trump beats them all. George W. Bush also pushed for dictator power.
He is barely in league with Andrew Johnson, Trump, and Buchanan.
@NoOne-kr4jc we are talking policy and how they negatively effected the country/world. Johnson was a terrible president, Buchanan was just there more or less and Trumps policy actually helped a lot of people. While Willson is at least partially responsible for most of if not all major issues we face today.
@@4kgamingmurphyslaw586 How did Trump assist ppl?
As far as the worst 19th century. President, it's hard to beat Buchanan. BTW, few people know that Lincoln was an outspoken opponent of the Mexican War, at a time when the war was popular. That speaks very well of his noble character and deep sense of right and wrong.
Your video commentary proves he was a good President. America would be a better nation to have another Tyler. Andrew Jackson, America's best President, said his best act was to "kill the bank." Tyler, not folding from pressure from his corrupt Whig Party, made sure the bank stayed dead. Thank you President Tyler.
I've visited his grave at Hollywood cemetery, my favorite graveyard, with 3 Presidents, including Jefferson Davis.
One thing I didn't hear you mention is that Texas is still a republic. We retain the right to succeed from the union if we so choose too and out state flag is flown at the same height as the US flag. We Texans are a proud (possibly arrogant) bunch.
??? This would not hold up in any constitutional court case. Texas was annexed by the U.S. and gave up any independence willingly. Where is any evidence of what you are saying??
After doing some research I found that I have a distant relative who was owned by this family.
Sorry but "His Accidency" makes it sound like he was prone to poopin his shorts bro
Lil Johnny Tywer be needing a diaper change
Holy crap he's got a living grandchild?? That's wild
He had two but one died last year.
I'm pretty sure he recently passed away though. Either in 2020 or 2021...I could be wrong though
Joe Biden?
9:50 maybe I’m confused but does Jefferson and van buren not both count? Are you just counting van buren bc Jefferson’s first term started in the 18th century? If so, he was elected in the 19th as well so what’s the deal?
If anything, the groundwork of Texas annexation (however flawed his motives were) and the precedent of Presidential succession are the only major 'achievements' Tyler made as President. Still, always worth an interesting biography of another US President
Shortest vice presidency :)
I live on a highway named after him! It’s one of the most beautiful roads in Virginia.
And fun fact: his GRANDSON is still alive and kicking!
I think that road will not be named after him for long.
@@zaco-km3su why not? His home is right on the road and is fitting for his namesake
I agree it’s is a beautiful road
@@brinkgats5938
Because he supported slavery. It's fitting that the name will be changed.
Been down good old Rt 5 many times. Beautiful drive especially in autumn
You missed the interesting factoid that Harrison was the first president to have his veto overridden. The first! It was on an unimportant minor issue, but there it is.
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
Don't tap dance around the issue. Tyler supported whatever stance would help preserve slavery. Tyler was the only American president who philosophically viewed slavery as a positive good. Even Jackson believed that the institution someday would have to come to an end.
I was engaged to Calhoun's direct descendant and can speak with authority to the fact that every male member of his family reaching all the way back to John was severely bipolar. Don't tell ME mental illness is only a tragedy to the individual's family. Calhoun was a national tragedy.
As someone who suffers from bipolar disorder, I don't blame the mental illness. I blame the ignorance of the medical community at the time.
He was called the President without a party but before he left office a large send-off was held for him. In one of his only time of wit he said at the event " they can't say I'm a President without a party".
Hopefully Biographics with be able to make videos on these people in the foreseeable future:
Charles Evans Hughes
Eugene V Debs
Henry A. Wallace
Robert La Follette Sr.
Patrice Lamumba
Chester A. Arthur
Thomas Jefferson
Upton Sinclair
Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin
Rutherford B. Hayes
Robert Borden? A very normal guy in a very difficult situation.
I've been to Hollywood cemetery in Richmond. John Tyler is buried within no more than 30 ft of President Monroe.
Tbh this guy seems a lot better then our current president.
And that's a understatement...
Is this comment serious? Tyler was horrible..I mean...Biden is not great at all...but to say Tyler was better is hogwash lol
Hey, the Constructionists are back in power in SCOTUS.
And unborn lives are being saved because of it. Abortion is like slavery: its a "peculiar institution".
No...... it's ugenics.
God bless Texas!
I havent listened to the whole video yet, but you mention precedents. Tyler and his first lady established a lot of precedents associated w POTUE
Plss do Jimmy Carter
His Accidency.
John Tyler has been my favoritest president. I have actually written his name on several ballots.