Our "Accidental Presidents": America's Nine Unelected Chief Executives

John Adams called the vice-presidency "the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived, or his imagination conceived."? But nine times, the man who’s held that “insignificant office” has suddenly risen to the presidency because of the natural death, assassination, or resignation of the nation’s Chief Executive, which is always a moment of turmoil and crisis. ?Some rose to the occasion better than others, but all nine made an impact on both America and the world.? Learn more about these?men, including how they “got the job,” the challenges they faced, their successes and failures, and how their actions changed the course of our history. 

Instructor: Bob Young