James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, served from 1857 to 1861. Born on April 23, 1791, in Pennsylvania, Buchanan was a lawyer before entering politics. He is often remembered for his attempts to maintain peace between the North and South as the nation headed towards the Civil War. Despite his efforts, he was unable to prevent the growing tensions that eventually led to the conflict.
Buchanan’s presidency was also marked by the Dred Scott decision and the economic Panic of 1857. He remained a bachelor throughout his life, which was unusual for presidents of the time. His term ended as the Southern states began to secede, and he was succeeded by Abraham Lincoln. Buchanan’s inability to effectively address the secession crisis has led to a historical view of his presidency as largely ineffective.
