William Henry Harrison Biography
William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States, is often remembered primarily for having the shortest presidency in American history, lasting only 31 days. However, Harrison’s contributions to the nation extend far beyond his brief time in office. His life was marked by significant achievements in the military, in governance, and in early American politics. This biography explores the multifaceted life of William Henry Harrison, highlighting his enduring impact on the United States.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
William Henry Harrison was born on February 9, 1773, at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City County, Virginia. He was the youngest of seven children born to Benjamin Harrison V and Elizabeth Bassett Harrison. His father was a prominent political figure, having been a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a member of the Continental Congress (Cleaves, 1939). The Harrison family was well-connected and deeply involved in the early political landscape of the United States, which profoundly influenced William’s upbringing and aspirations.
Education
Harrison’s early education took place at local schools, where he received instruction in classical studies typical of the education afforded to the children of Virginia’s elite. In 1787, at the age of 14, Harrison was sent to Hampden-Sydney College. His education was interrupted by the death of his father in 1791, which left the family in financial difficulty (Cleaves, 1939). Despite these challenges, Harrison pursued further education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied medicine under the guidance of Dr. Benjamin Rush, a family friend and prominent physician.
Entry into the Military
Harrison’s medical studies were cut short when he decided to join the military. Influenced by family connections and a personal desire for adventure and service, Harrison received a commission as an ensign in the U.S. Army in 1791, beginning a military career that would define much of his early life (Cleaves, 1939).
Military Career
Early Military Service
Harrison’s early military service was marked by his participation in the Northwest Indian War, a conflict between the United States and a confederation of Native American tribes in the Northwest Territory. Under the command of General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, Harrison took part in the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794, which resulted in a decisive victory for the U.S. forces (Cleaves, 1939). This victory led to the Treaty of Greenville in 1795, which opened much of present-day Ohio to American settlement.
Rising Through the Ranks
Harrison’s performance in the Northwest Indian War earned him a series of promotions. By 1798, he had risen to the rank of captain and was serving as the commander of Fort Washington (present-day Cincinnati, Ohio). His leadership and administrative skills caught the attention of President John Adams, who appointed him as the Secretary of the Northwest Territory in 1798 (Cleaves, 1939). This position marked the beginning of Harrison’s transition from military service to political leadership.
Territorial Governor and Political Career
Governor of Indiana Territory
In 1800, Harrison was appointed as the first governor of the newly created Indiana Territory, a position he held for 12 years. As governor, Harrison was responsible for negotiating treaties with Native American tribes, overseeing the settlement of the territory, and implementing federal policies. His tenure was marked by his efforts to acquire land from Native American tribes through treaties, which often led to tensions and conflicts (Horsman, 1985).
The Treaty of Fort Wayne
One of Harrison’s most significant achievements as governor was the negotiation of the Treaty of Fort Wayne in 1809. This treaty resulted in the cession of millions of acres of land from the Native American tribes to the United States, paving the way for increased settlement and development (Horsman, 1985). However, the treaty was highly controversial and contributed to growing resistance among Native American leaders, including Tecumseh, a Shawnee chief who sought to unite the tribes against American encroachment.
The Battle of Tippecanoe
Harrison’s most famous military engagement during his governorship was the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa, known as the Prophet, had established a settlement called Prophetstown as a center of resistance. Harrison led an expedition to confront the confederation, resulting in a fierce battle on November 7, 1811. Although the battle was inconclusive, it effectively disrupted Tecumseh’s confederation and earned Harrison national fame (Horsman, 1985).
War of 1812
Military Leadership
With the outbreak of the War of 1812, Harrison returned to military service. He was appointed as a brigadier general and later promoted to major general, tasked with defending the Northwest Territory against British and Native American forces. Harrison’s leadership was instrumental in securing several key victories, including the defense of Fort Meigs and the Battle of the Thames (Cleaves, 1939).
The Battle of the Thames
The Battle of the Thames, fought on October 5, 1813, was a pivotal moment in the War of 1812. Harrison’s forces decisively defeated the British and their Native American allies, resulting in the death of Tecumseh and the collapse of his confederation (Cleaves, 1939). This victory secured American control of the Northwest Territory and solidified Harrison’s reputation as a national hero.
Political Career and the Presidency
Congressional Service
After the War of 1812, Harrison continued his political career. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1816, where he served until 1819. During his time in Congress, Harrison advocated for veterans’ benefits and western expansion (Cleaves, 1939). He later served as a U.S. Senator from Ohio from 1825 to 1828 and as Minister Plenipotentiary to Colombia in 1828, appointed by President John Quincy Adams.
The Election of 1836
Harrison’s first bid for the presidency came in 1836 as a candidate of the Whig Party. The Whigs, hoping to prevent the Democratic candidate Martin Van Buren from winning a majority in the Electoral College, ran multiple regional candidates. Although Harrison received substantial support, Van Buren won the election (Crapol, 2006). Despite his loss, Harrison’s popularity continued to grow, setting the stage for his successful campaign in 1840.
The Election of 1840
The presidential election of 1840 was characterized by its innovative and vigorous campaign strategies. Harrison’s supporters, capitalizing on his military heroism, portrayed him as a man of the people and a war hero. The campaign used slogans like “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too,” referring to Harrison and his running mate, John Tyler. Harrison’s opponents, attempting to undermine his candidacy, labeled him as an old, rustic frontiersman content to live in a log cabin and drink hard cider (Crapol, 2006). The Whigs turned this attack into a positive image, presenting Harrison as a humble and relatable candidate.
Harrison’s campaign strategy was highly effective, and he won a decisive victory in the 1840 election. The election marked a significant shift in American politics, with high voter turnout and the use of mass campaign techniques that would become standard in future elections (Crapol, 2006).
Presidency
Inauguration and Policies
William Henry Harrison was inaugurated as the ninth President of the United States on March 4, 1841. At 68 years old, he was the oldest person to assume the presidency at that time. In an effort to demonstrate his vigor and refute criticisms of his age, Harrison delivered the longest inaugural address in American history, lasting nearly two hours. He did so without wearing a hat or coat, despite the cold and wet weather (Crapol, 2006).
Harrison’s inaugural address outlined his vision for the presidency, emphasizing his commitment to upholding the Constitution, limiting executive power, and promoting economic growth. He pledged to respect the separation of powers and to serve as a guardian of the people’s liberties (Crapol, 2006).
Illness and Death
Tragically, Harrison’s presidency was cut short by illness. Just weeks after his inauguration, he developed a severe cold, which worsened into pneumonia. Despite the best efforts of his physicians, Harrison’s condition deteriorated, and he died on April 4, 1841, just 31 days after taking office (Crapol, 2006). His death marked the first time a sitting U.S. president had died in office, leading to an unprecedented constitutional crisis regarding presidential succession.
Succession and Impact
Harrison’s death brought John Tyler to the presidency, setting a crucial precedent for the peaceful transfer of power. Tyler’s assumption of the full powers and duties of the presidency helped to clarify the process of presidential succession, which was later codified in the 25th Amendment to the Constitution (Crapol, 2006).
Legacy
Contributions to American Expansion
William Henry Harrison’s legacy is closely tied to his role in American westward expansion. As a military leader and territorial governor, he played a key role in opening the Northwest Territory to American settlement and development. His actions during the Northwest Indian War, the Battle of Tippecanoe, and the War of 1812 helped to secure American control over vast tracts of land and facilitated the nation’s westward growth (Cleaves, 1939).
Political Influence
Harrison’s political career, particularly his presidency, had a lasting impact on the American political system. His election campaign in 1840 introduced new techniques and strategies that reshaped the nature of American political campaigns. The use of slogans, mass rallies, and imagery to connect with voters became standard practice in subsequent elections (Crapol, 2006).
Personal Character and Values
Harrison was known for his integrity, humility, and dedication to public service. Despite his aristocratic background, he was often portrayed as a man of the people, a characterization that resonated with many Americans. His commitment to the principles of limited government and respect for the Constitution reflected the values of his time and influenced his approach to governance (Cleaves, 1939).
Evaluation by Historians
Historians’ assessments of Harrison’s presidency are limited by its brevity. However, his contributions to the early Republic as a military leader, territorial governor, and political figure are well-recognized. While his presidency did not last long enough to implement significant policy changes, his election and the circumstances of his death had a profound impact on the office of the presidency and the nation’s political development (Crapol, 2006).
Final Summary
William Henry Harrison’s life and career were marked by significant achievements and enduring contributions to the United States. From his early days as a military officer in the Northwest Indian War to his brief but impactful presidency, Harrison played a pivotal role in shaping the early Republic. His commitment to public service, military prowess, and political acumen left a lasting legacy that continues to be remembered in American history. Although his presidency was tragically short, Harrison’s influence on the nation’s expansion, political processes, and governance remains an important part of the American story.
References
Cleaves, F. (1939). Old Tippecanoe: William Henry Harrison and His Time. New York, NY: Charles Scribner’s Sons.
Crapol, E. P. (2006). John Tyler, the Accidental President. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press.
Horsman, R. (1985). Frontier in Crisis: William Henry Harrison and the West. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press.