James Buchanan was the only president elected from Pennsylvania; he is also the only unmarried man to serve as US President. Buchanan was an accomplished politician; he served 5 times in the House and was the ambassador to Russia, before serving in the Senate. In Polk's presidency, he served as Secretary of State. In Franklin Pierce's administration, he was Minister to Great Britain. Interestingly, he was strongly in favor of states' rights.
Buchanan had an early engagement that was broken and the young woman died soon after the end of the engagement. He never pursued another woman, according to the records. However, he became very close to his niece, Harriet Lane. She acted as hostess for his term in office.
Probably, Buchanan is overshadowed by the next president -- Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. But this book squarely places the Civil War at Buchanan's feet. He is considered one of America's worst presidents because he only appeased the South, which emboldened them. The Senate even compiled a resolution condemning Buchanan for his inaction in the face of turmoil.
I thought this was a balanced story of Buchanan; here was a man with many gifts and experience. Instead of action, this president sat and watched as events unfolded. Buchanan is considered one of America's worst presidents.
Buchanan had an early engagement that was broken and the young woman died soon after the end of the engagement. He never pursued another woman, according to the records. However, he became very close to his niece, Harriet Lane. She acted as hostess for his term in office.
Probably, Buchanan is overshadowed by the next president -- Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. But this book squarely places the Civil War at Buchanan's feet. He is considered one of America's worst presidents because he only appeased the South, which emboldened them. The Senate even compiled a resolution condemning Buchanan for his inaction in the face of turmoil.
I thought this was a balanced story of Buchanan; here was a man with many gifts and experience. Instead of action, this president sat and watched as events unfolded. Buchanan is considered one of America's worst presidents.
