References

^ Jump up to: a b c d e Crapol, pp. 2–3:

John Tyler is not one of the famous or better-known American presidents. ... Other biographers and historians have argued that John Tyler was a hapless and inept chief executive whose presidency was seriously flawed. Although acknowledging that Tyler was not a great president, I believe he was a stronger and more effective President than generally remembered.
Miller Center, U. Va., "Impact and Legacy":

"By claiming the right to a fully functioning and empowered presidency instead of relinquishing the office or accepting limits on his powers, Tyler set a hugely important precedent. ... Unfortunately, Tyler proved much better at taking over the presidency than at actually being President."Miller Center, U. Va., "Foreign affairs":

"In sharp contrast to his domestic policies, John Tyler's foreign policy decision making went much more smoothly. ... Overall, Tyler could claim an ambitious, successful foreign policy presidency, due largely to the efforts of Secretary of State Webster, who served from 1841 to 1843."Monroe, p. 3:

"The vicious political infighting that characterized his term probably accounts for the low regard with which the Tyler presidency has been held by historians. 