James Buchanan
president of the United States from 1857 to 1861 / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the Nobel Prize-winning economist, see James M. Buchanan.
James Buchanan Jr. (April 23, 1791 ā June 1, 1868) was an American politician who served as the 15th president of the United States.
Quick Facts 15th President of the United States, Vice President ...
James Buchanan, Jr. | |
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15th President of the United States | |
In office March 4, 1857 ā March 3, 1861 | |
Vice President | John C. Breckinridge |
Preceded by | Franklin Pierce |
Succeeded by | Abraham Lincoln |
Personal details | |
Born | (1791-04-23)April 23, 1791 Cove Gap, Pennsylvania |
Died | June 1, 1868(1868-06-01) (aged 77) Lancaster, Pennsylvania |
Nationality | American |
Political party | Democratic |
Religion | Presbyterianism |
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He was the only president not to have married. His niece, Harriet Lane, stood in as First Lady. He was an experienced politician, and became president in 1857. His stances on slavery, and actions before the Civil War broke out, have been criticised by scholars.
In 1860, Buchanan announced that he would not be taking part in the election & supported Abraham Lincoln who eventually became president-elect just a week after his announcement in the 1860 election.
Historians rank Buchanan as one of the worst presidents in U.S. history.