James Polk to James Buchanan Presidents James Polk to James Buchanan

11th President of the United States James Knox Polk of Maury County, Tennessee Lawyer, Governor of Tennessee, U.S. Congressman, Speaker of the House of Representatives Very intelligent, highly motivated President with an ambitious agenda Outstanding speaker and debater Democrat

Polk as President (1845 – 1849) A follower and admirer of President Andrew Jackson Relied heavily on the expertise of his cabinet Promised in his campaign to annex Texas Promised to serve only one term Wanted to reduce tariffs and expand the United States

What he accomplished… Annexed the Republic of Texas, making it the 28th state in the Union Acquired land the would become the states of Oregon and Washington Oversaw the 1846-1848 war with Mexico and the Mexican Cession, which also added territory in modern-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Colorado, and Iowa Current norther border of the United States was established The Mexican Cession of 1848, and the Gadsden Purchase of 1853

12th President of the United States Zachary Taylor of Baton Rouge, Louisiana Career soldier, Major General in the United States Army Hero of the Mexican War Vague political beliefs, and no real interest in politics Never voted in an election Pledged to keep the Union together Whig… sort of…

Taylor as President (1849-1850) Abandoned most of the Whig policies and party leaders after being elected Not really very knowledgeable about the job at hand Felt that Congress should be making most of the decisions, and the President should only interfere if the Constitution was being violated Caused friction with both parties by not adhering to either platform Taylor died in office and had one of the shortest presidencies (16 months).

What he accomplished… Not much… Never wanted to be President President during the Gold Rush, and pushed for immediate statehood for California During his Presidency: The Compromise of 1850 The Fugitive Slave Act An advertisement for a ship ride to California to participate in the Gold Rush

But mostly… He died, too…

13th President of the United States Millard Fillmore of Buffalo, New York Lawyer, New York State Comptroller, U.S. Congressman from New York, Vice-President of the United States Ascended to the Presidency following the death of his predecessor, Zachary Taylor Whig Party

Fillmore as President (1850-1853) Enforced the laws as written and approved, even if it meant going against what he actually believed Excellent foreign policy administrator Worked to head off war in the United States over the issue of slavery Weak support from within his own party Was not re-nominated by the Whigs for a chance of a term of his own in 1852

Paved the way for the Gadsden Purchase What he accomplished… Paved the way for the Gadsden Purchase Expanded national railroads and canals Authorized the Perry Expedition Open the ports of Asia to American trade, by force if necessary Allowing American ships to resupply when necessary

14th President of the United States Franklin Pierce of Hillsborough, New Hampshire Lawyer, Congressman, Senator Likable politician Tragic personal life Not necessarily pro-slavery, but definitely anti-abolition Democrat

Pierce as President (1853-1857) Not supported by most members of his party in the election of 1852 Democratic Party was very fractured during his tenure Tried to appease all aspects of the party by appointing cabinet members from each faction Worked to reform government by making government agencies run more efficiently The only elected president in American history to not be re-nominated by his party for a second term

What he accomplished… Not much Bleeding Kansas Gadsden Purchase completion Building of the Washington Monument

15th President of the United States James Buchanan, Jr. of Franklin County, Pennsylvania Lawyer, politician, Secretary of State Civilized, urbane, charming, and affable Only United States President never to marry Democrat

Buchanan as President (1857 – 1861) Enjoyed the Washington social life Was very reluctant to deal with difficult issues Thought the Presidency should simply moderate and oversee the actions of Congress Was considered a “doughface” – a northern man with southern sympathies Did nothing to heal the collapse of the Democratic party Felt that secession of the states was illegal, but going to war to stop it was also illegal Pledged to only serve one term

What he accomplished… His inaction led to the complete fracture of the Democratic party, which paved the way for the election of Abraham Lincoln Dred Scott decision Panic of 1857 Secession of all of the southern states In short, he was terrible…