Presidential Succession

  • John Tyler takes over for William Henry Harrison

    After William Henry Harrison died just 31 days after becoming President, VP John Tyler assumed the position.
  • Millard Fillmore takes over for Zachary Taylor

    Zachary Taylor got sick and died from cholera, an extremely dangerous stomach disease. Vice President Millard Fillmore assumed his position.
  • Andrew Johnson takes over for Abraham Lincoln

    After Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while in a theater, Andrew Johnson became president for the remainder of his term.
  • Chester Arthur takes over for James Garfield

    James Garfield was shot and killed while waiting for a train to New Jersey. Chester Arthur took his place.
  • Theodore Roosevelt takes over for William McKinley

    After performing a speech in New York shortly after starting his second term, McKinley was shot at close range by Leon Czolgosz while meeting with the public. He was succeeded by Theodore Roosevelt.
  • Calvin Coolidge takes over for Warren Harding

    Warren Harding would suffer a spontaneous heart attack on August 2, 1923, following various medical issues, including a pneumonia diagnosis. His place would be taken by Calvin Coolidge.
  • Harry Truman takes over for Franklin Roosevelt

    During his fourth term, the longest of any President, Roosevelt suffered a hemorrhagic stroke which would quickly lead to his death. Harry Truman would succeed him.
  • Lyndon B. Johnson takes over for John F. Kennedy

    Following his assassination by Lee Harvey Oswald while driving through Dallas, Texas, Kennedy was succeeded by Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson.
  • Gerald Ford takes over for Richard Nixon

    Following the Watergate scandal in his second term, Nixon would become the only U.S. President to end a term early for a reason other than a death. Following his resignation, his position would be taken by his Vice President, Gerald Ford.