Who was the Whig president that served during the Mexican-American War and was a Southern slaveholder?

Zachary Taylor was the Whig president who served during the Mexican-American War and was indeed a Southern slaveholder. Taylor’s military experience, particularly in the Mexican-American War, made him a national hero and contributed to his election as president in 1848. His presidency was marked by significant tensions regarding the expansion of slavery into the newly acquired territories from Mexico. Despite being a slaveowner, Taylor was relatively moderate on the issue of slavery and sought to manage the sectional tensions arising from the westward expansion. His approach aimed at keeping the Union together while balancing the interests of both free and slave states. This context highlights Taylor’s unique position within the Whig Party and the political landscape of the time.