James Buchanan

ModernPoliticianUnited States1791 — 1868

President who failed to prevent the Civil War.

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Quick Facts

Born

1791

Died

1868

Country

United States

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)49

Political (20%)32

Influence (20%)49

Legacy (20%)45

Leadership (15%)66

Strategy (15%)45

Total Score47.5

James Buchanan — Complete Timeline

1856 AD

Elected President of the United StatesPolitical Action◆ Major

Buchanan won the 1856 presidential election as a Democrat, defeating Republican John C. Fr

PresidencyElectionDemocratic Party

Impact: national

1857 AD

Dred Scott DecisionPolitical Action◆ Major

Buchanan influenced the Supreme Court's Dred Scott decision, which ruled that African Americans were not citizens and that Congress could not ban slavery in territories. The decision inflamed sectional tensions.

Dred ScottSupreme CourtSlavery

Impact: nationaldestructive

Panic of 1857Other◆ Major

A financial panic caused by the collapse of the Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Company led to a nationwide depression. Buchanan's inaction and support for a pro-southern tariff deepened the crisis.

Economic CrisisDepressionBanking

Impact: nationaldestructive

Lecompton Constitution ControversyPolitical Action◆ Major

Buchanan supported the pro-slavery Lecompton Constitution for Kansas, which was rejected by Congress. His stance split the Democratic Party and further alienated Northern voters.

KansasSlaveryLecompton Constitution

Impact: nationaldestructive

1860 AD

Failed to Prevent SecessionPolitical Action◆ Major

After Abraham Lincoln's election, Buchanan declared secession illegal but argued the federal government had no power to stop it. He took no action against seceding states, allowing the Confederacy to form.

SecessionCivil WarInaction

Impact: nationaldestructive