What if Zachary Taylor hadn't died in 1850? (likely from Gastroenteritis)
Taylor had died amidst the negotiations of the compromise of 1850. Taylor despite being a slave owner, did not support the expansion of slavery in the west, or in other words he supported the Wilmot Proviso. Might Taylor have vetoed the organization of the New Mexico and Utah territories under popular sovereignty? Also during the negotiations, Texas had sent out the Texas Rangers to enforce their claims on New Mexico. Taylor threatened to send in the U.S. Army to stop the Rangers.
Would either of these actions have caused the South to secede, resulting in an early Civil War? Who would lead on either side? How long does the War last? What do the casualties figures look like? If Taylor runs for re-election, does he win?, who does he run against?
What are the overall effects of an earlier American Civil War on U.S. History and Culture?