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James Buchanan (April 23, 1791- June 1, 1868) Democrat Terms of Office: March 4, 1857 – March 3,1861 Vice President: John C. Breckinridge

 Buchanan’s negligence during his presidency contributed to the division of the United States, and ultimately, the Civil War. While Buchanan had good intentions upon entering the presidency, his failure to combat the separation of the states and address important national issues warrants him an F as president.

Buchanan aimed to restore unity throughout the nation when he entered his presidency (despite that he never really wanted to be President), but was severely unsuccessful, creating even more sectionalism throughout the country. His endorsement of the Supreme Court’s ruling of the Dred Scott case especially influenced this, when the Court declared that Congress could not prohibit slavery in the states. It caused contentment among the South but angered the Northerners, furthering the separation of the country. He did not accomplish his goals at all. Buchanan, a Democrat, and Congress, predominately Republican, naturally disagreed on most issues and had a rocky relationship. The nation was dealing with controversy over whether or not Kansas should be a free or slave state and the President supported Kansas’ Lecompton Constitution. Buchanan urged Congress to admit it as a slave state so that he could keep the support of proslavery Democrats. His attempt to persuade Congress caused even more trouble and debate, but eventually led to the compromise that Kansas would have another vote to decide their fate as a slave or free state. He additionally had conflict with other members of the Democratic Party that wanted to terminate slavery completely. Buchanan lost control of the party and Stephen A. Douglas took over, although it eventually split in two.

None of Buchanan’s actions resulted positively during his presidency. His involvement in the issue with Kansas and the lack thereof in the Dred Scott case caused even further discontentment in the North and South. His presidency most likely influenced that of every future President’s with his little involvement and poor choices leading up to the Civil War. He is an example of what not to do as a President.

At the end of his presidency, the country was undoubtedly worse off. Although he entered the presidency with good intentions, his lack of passion and involvement clearly disconnected the North and South even more. The fact that Buchanan never wanted to be President is clearly visible. He left a mess for his successor, Abraham Lincoln, to clean up and furthered the tension between the states that would result in the nation’s bloodiest war ever.

Bibliography

"American Presidents: Life Portraits." American Presidents: Life Portraits. 24 Oct. 2009 .

"James Buchanan | The White House." The White House. 24 Oct. 2009 .

"James Buchanan .net - Biography, Photos, Videos, & Quotes." James Buchanan .net - Biography, Photos, Videos, & Quotes. 24 Oct. 2009 

"American President: James Buchanan: Domestic Affairs." Miller Center of Public Affairs. 24 Oct. 2009  