#15 – James Buchanan

#15 – James Buchanan

#15 - James Buchanan • Born: April 23, 1791 • Birthplace: Cove Gap, Pennsylvania • Political Party: Democrat • Term: 1857-61 • Vice President: John C. Breckinridge • Died: June 1, 1868

#15 - James Buchanan • Attended an Academy at a young age. • 1809: At 18 he graduated from Dickinson College. • Studied law . Began his law practice in 1813. (lawyer) • 1812: Volunteered in the War of 1812. He helped defend Baltimore from the English invasion.

#15 - James Buchanan • 1814-16: Elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. • 1819: engaged to Ann Coleman, however, they had a misunderstanding. She then later died that year and he never remarried again. • 1821-31: Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

#15 - James Buchanan • 1832-34: Appointed minister to Russia by Andrew Jackson. • 1834-45: U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania. • 1845-49: Appointed Secretary of State under President Polk. • 1852: Tried to run for President but Franklin Pierce won. • 1853-56: Appointed minister to Great Britain by Franklin Pierce.

#15 - James Buchanan

• 1857-61: Elected 15th President of the United States. • 1857: Dred Scott Decision – Congress had no power over slavery. Slaves are seen as property.

#15 - James Buchanan • 1859: John Brown’s Raid at Harpers Ferry. John Brown was executed – seen as a martyr for slavery.

#15 - James Buchanan • He tried to run for re-election. However, Democrats split (North and South) and the Republican party wins the election. • 1861: Lincoln elected. Civil War begins. • June 1, 1868: Dies in Wheatland, PA.

#15 - James Buchanan • • • • • • • •

Interesting Facts: 1857: Dred Scott Decision 1858: Atlantic cable completed. 1859: John Brown’s raid at harpers Ferry. 1860: South Carolina secedes. Inventions: 1860: repeating rifle (Winchester – U.S.) 1861: machine gun (Gatling Gun) – Gatling – U.S.

#15 - James Buchanan • • • •

States admitted: 1858: Minnesota 1859: Oregon 1861: Kansas