The swearing-in of John Tyler as President of the United States occurred shortly after the unexpected death of President William Henry Harrison, who died just a month into his term. On April 6, Tyler took the oath of office in Washington, D.C., becoming the first Vice President to assume the presidency due to the death of a sitting president. This unprecedented event necessitated a clear understanding of the presidential succession process, which was not formally defined in the Constitution at the time.

Tyler's ascension came at a moment of political uncertainty. With a Whig Party majority in Congress, there were concerns about whether Tyler, who had previously been a Democrat, would align with Whig policies. The relatively simple ceremony was attended by a small group, including members of the cabinet and Congress, and marked a significant moment not just for Tyler but for the office of the presidency itself. Despite the grim circumstances of Harrison's death, Tyler aimed to convey stability and continuity in governance.

Throughout his presidency, Tyler faced various challenges, such as conflicts with Congress and the party he had recently joined, often pursuing policies that aligned more closely with his personal convictions rather than party lines. This created tensions within the Whig Party, leading to his eventual expulsion, but his presidency set important precedents concerning the role and authority of a vice president in an unexpected succession situation.