1. James Polk to James Buchanan
Presidents
James Polk to James Buchanan

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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 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

5. 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…

6. 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).

7. 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

8. But mostly…
He died, too…

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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…