Early Years

James Buchanan was born on April 23, 1791, near Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. He was the second of ten children. In 1809, he graduated from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, despite being previously expelled for bad behavior. After graduating, he studied law and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1812. During the War of 1812, Buchanan fought in the defense of Baltimore.

Political Career

Buchanan began his political career in 1814 in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He later served in Congress as a representative for Pennsylvania from 1821 to 1831. From 1832 to 1834, he was the U.S. Ambassador to Russia. In 1834, he was elected to the U.S. Senate and was reelected in 1837 and 1843 before resigning in 1845. Buchanan served as Secretary of State under President James K. Polk and helped negotiate the Oregon Treaty, which set the northern boundary of the western United States at the 49th parallel. Later, he served as ambassador to Great Britain.

The Worst President Ever?

In 1856, Buchanan was nominated by the Democratic Party and became the 15th president of the United States after defeating Republican candidate John C. Fremont. His presidency began amid controversy with the Dred Scott decision, which stated the federal government could not prohibit slavery in the territories. Buchanan, sympathetic to the Southern cause, angered abolitionists by supporting slaveholders. During the Bleeding Kansas crisis, he backed the LeCompton Constitution, which aimed to admit Kansas as a slave state. Although Kansas voters rejected it and the Senate blocked it, Buchanan's support divided the Democratic Party. By 1860, the party split, helping Abraham Lincoln win the presidency. As states began seceding, Buchanan claimed secession was illegal but insisted the federal government could not stop it.

Legacy

Buchanan died on June 1, 1868, at age 77 at his home, Wheatland. Historians generally rank him among the weakest presidents for failing to prevent Southern secession. He remains the only U.S. president who never married.

Most Famous Quote

“I like the noise of democracy.” — James Buchanan

Discussion Questions

1. Why did Buchanan's support of the LeCompton Constitution anger Northerners?
2. How did Buchanan’s position on slavery contribute to the split of the Democratic Party?
3. What challenges did Buchanan face at the start of his presidency?
4. Why do historians often rank Buchanan as one of the weakest presidents?

Glossary

• Dred Scott decision: A Supreme Court ruling stating the federal government had no power to prohibit slavery in U.S. territories.
• Bleeding Kansas: A period of violent conflict in Kansas over whether the territory would allow slavery.
• LeCompton Constitution: A proposed Kansas state constitution that allowed slavery.
• Secession: The act of a state leaving the Union.
• Oregon Treaty: A treaty between the U.S. and Britain establishing the 49th parallel as the U.S.-Canada border in the West.

Five Interesting Facts

1. Buchanan is the only U.S. president who never married.
2. He graduated college despite being expelled for bad behavior earlier.
3. Buchanan served as ambassador to both Russia and Great Britain.
4. He was sympathetic to Southern slaveholders during his presidency.
5. Historians often consider him one of the worst U.S. presidents.

Timeline of James Buchanan’s Life

1. 1791: Born near Mercersburg, Pennsylvania.
2. 1809: Graduated from Dickinson College.
3. 1812: Admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar; served in the War of 1812.
4. 1814: Elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
5. 1821-1831: Served in the U.S. House of Representatives.
6. 1832-1834: Ambassador to Russia.
7. 1834: Elected to the U.S. Senate.
8. 1845: Became Secretary of State under President Polk.
9. 1846: Helped negotiate the Oregon Treaty.
10. 1853-1856: Ambassador to Great Britain.
11. 1856: Elected 15th President of the United States.
12. 1857: Dred Scott decision announced; Bleeding Kansas crisis escalates.
13. 1860: Democratic Party splits; Abraham Lincoln elected president.
14. 1861: Seven Southern states secede; Buchanan leaves office.
15. 1868: Dies at his home, Wheatland.