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// Born April 23, 1791 in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania – Died June 1, 1868 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania//
 * // James Buchanan //**

// Vice President: John Breckenridge //

// In office March 4, 1857- March 4, 1861 (one term) //

// Democratic Party //

Because the country was so occupied with domestic matters, the Buchanan administration had little to do with foreign affairs or immigration. Most of the globalization during this time period occurred as a result of the influx of Scandinavians and Germans into the newly created state of Minnesota. The government offered public lands at a greatly reduced rate to pioneers looking to create a new life. These settlers established the largest Nordic community since New Sweden, and they brought new farming techniques perfectly suited to the cold, continental climate of the North-Central United States and the cultivation of grains, effectively establishing the Midwest’s status as nation’s breadbasket. In addition, they brought their language, customs, and cuisine which all have influenced the American culture. Other states were created during Buchanan’s term: Oregon and Kansas. The population boom in these newly-settled areas spurred the construction of an extensive rail and telegraph network that connected them to the West Coast, Chicago, the South, and the Northeast, facilitating the transmission of technology, ideas, news, and goods around the nation.
 * Theme: Globalization**

The only Pennsylvanian in office and the only president to remain a bachelor, James Buchanan has also been awarded the title of ‘worst president ever’ by some scholars. He originally aspired to earn a place among the greats, but in actuality, he did almost nothing to prevent the impending secession of the Southern states and the dissolution of the Union. Simply an observer to the events that led to the Civil War unfold before him, he halfheartedly attempted to draft compromises between the North and the South, living up to his ‘doughface’ nickname. However, in his favor, those four years were perhaps the worst time to be President of the Union. The split of the last national party, the Democrats, had created unbridgeable divides between the North and the South, hopeless settlements for peace were all but abandoned, and Buchanan refused to supersede his constitutionally-sanctioned bounds to prevent Southern secession. When taking into account the extremely difficult political and economic circumstances during his term, Buchanan’s somewhat reasonable reluctance to act earns him the grade of a C-.

At the beginning of Buchanan’s term, it was clear that he needed to somehow stop the inevitable split and conflict between the North and the South and “ restore harmony and ancient friendship among the people of the several States”. Nevertheless, Buchanan’s Northern origin and definite Southern sympathies prevented him from take a clear and prudent stance on the issues of slavery, tariffs, and secession. The one thing he did remain adamant about was his insistence on strictly following the guidelines on executive powers detailed in the Constitution. Trained as a lawyer, he did not want to violate this code of laws for any reason whatsoever, evident when he said that he owed “[his] election to the inherent love for the Constitution and the Union” during his inaugural address.

Congressional debate during Buchanan’s term was characterized extremely and increasingly divisive sectional issues that were split along geographic lines. Buchanan further complicated this by showing favoritism towards the South in his inaugural speech, despite that fact that he led a national party containing both Northerners and Southerners. Time and time again, he decided to support the Southern legislators by approving the Dred Scott decision, vetoing the Homestead bill, and perhaps most damaging to the Union, putting the weight of his entire administration behind the incredibly flawed Lecompton Constitution. He was blind to the growing sectionalism within his own party and the fact that he was contributing to it by being duplicitous. By advocating this state constitution that was clearly created under unconstitutional conditions, he alienated the Northern wing of his party and was a main cause behind the sectional split of the Democratic party in the next election. The Senate enjoyed a Democratic majority during the entire term but the House had a Republican plurality during the latter half of Buchanan’s time in office, probably a result of his weakening of the party. Lastly, in his defense, Buchanan used the only method of appeasing the South that he deemed constitutionally-sanctioned, and that was favoritism. In order to keep them a part of the Union for as long as possible, he tried to influence legislation in their favor. This method displayed his lack of foresight into the coming conflict, but was the only way he could stay true to his morals.

The most positive outcome of his presidency is the fact that he prevented the South from seceding for the majority of his term. Although his methods for preventing the disbanding of the Union were not conducive to the cause of abolishing slavery, it was most likely a good thing that the South did not secede at the beginning of his term. Around 1856, the Northern passions to rein the Southern states in were not fully developed. Had the South departed in 1856, there would probably have not been much of retaliation from the North, and there could still exist a Confederate States of America today. The events that occurred during Buchanan’s term pitted the two sections against each other, deeply enough that they would be willing to initiate a war to solve their differences.

The most negative outcome of the presidency was probably the Financial Crash of 1857. It was one of the most devastating economic downturns of the century and it revealed deep divides between the North and South that did not even deal with slavery. This crash was caused primarily by inflation due to of the influx of California gold, the overstimulation of the grain industry during the Crimean War, and overspeculation of land in the West. This recession led to massive food shortages in the cities and the collapse of the North’s agricultural base. Further complicating the matter, Buchanan unwaveringly supported Southern interests by vetoing the homestead bill and reducing the tariff, both of which assisted the South’s economy and allowed them ride out the storm on top.

Even though Buchanan has been branded one of the worst presidents in history, his actions had a great influence on subsequent presidencies and generations. When looking at the big picture, his actions eventually made this country a better place. Buchanan’s decisions to wholeheartedly support the South on every issue eventually led to the division of the Democratic Party, allowing Lincoln to win in 1860 by a plurality. Had Lincoln not been elected, South Carolina may have never seceded, the Civil War may have never occurred, and slavery could have not been abolished for several more decades. The eradication of slavery was vital to the American Industrial Revolution, for slavery was holding back one half the country from innovation and increased industrial output.

Undoubtedly, the country was much worse in 1860 than in 1856. By the time Lincoln took office, seven states had already seceded from the Union and all hopes for reparation were lost; some type of war was inevitable. However, Buchanan’s failure to negotiate legitimate compromise can be traced back to his strict constructionist ideology, something that should not be completely scorned. In addition, those four years were probably some of the four worst years to govern this country. Sectional tensions and financial woes were at their highest levels in history. Taking these facts into account along with Buchanan’s shortcomings earns him the subpar, but not failing, grade of a C-.

// Citations: //

// "American President: James Buchanan." //// Miller Center ////. Ed. William Cooper. University of Virginia, 2011. Web. 19 Oct. 2011. . //

// *James, Buchanan. "Fourth Annual Message (December 3, 1860)." //// Miller Center ////. University of Virginia, 2011. Web. 19 Oct. 2011. . //

// *James, Buchanan. "Inaugural Address (March 4, 1857)." //// Miller Center ////. University of Virginia, 2011. Web. 19 Oct. 2011.  //

// "James Buchanan." //// The White House ////. U.S. Gov. Web. 19 Oct. 2011. . //

// Kennedy, David M., Lizabeth Cohen, and Thomas Andrew Bailey. The American pageant: a history of the Republic. 12th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002. Print. //

// *Denotes a primary source document //