What did Zachary Taylor do as president?

Answer 1

• Taylor opposed the Compromise of 1850 which was an attempt to settle the disputes about allowing slavery in the new territories and to appease the South by tightening the fugitive slave law. The compromise which proved to be failure, was passed after Taylor died.
• Clayton-Bulwer Treaty signed with Britain.This controversial treaty dealt with joint-control of any canals built across Central America
• Galphin Claim - scandal concerning kick-backs to Sec. of War Crawford from payments made to Galphin family.

(longer discussion of Taylor and the slavery issues. )

Northerners and Southerners disputed sharply whether the territories wrested from Mexico should be opened to slavery, and some Southerners even threatened secession. Standing firm, Zachary Taylor was prepared to hold the Union together by armed force rather than by compromise. Even though he was a slave-owner, Taylor did not defend slavery or southern sectionalism;

Although Taylor had subscribed to Whig principles of legislative leadership, he was not inclined to be a puppet of Whig leaders in Congress. He acted at times as though he were above parties and politics. Taylor tried to run his administration in the same rule-of-thumb fashion with which he had fought Indians.

Traditionally, people could decide whether they wanted slavery when they drew up new state constitutions. Therefore, several acute side issues: the northern dislike of the slave market operating in the District of Columbia; and the southern demands for a more stringent fugitive slave law.

In February 1850 President Taylor had held a stormy conference with southern leaders who threatened secession. He told them that if necessary to enforce the laws, he personally would lead the Army. Persons "taken in rebellion against the Union, he would hang ... with less reluctance than he had hanged deserters and spies in Mexico." He never wavered.

Then events took an unexpected turn. After participating in ceremonies at the Washington Monument on a blistering July 4, Taylor fell ill; within five days he was dead.
You can't do much in 491 days.

Answer 2

to conquer Cuba