Buchanan, James

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Buchanan, James (1791–1868) 15th US president (1857–1861). Buchanan entered Congress in 1821, and acted as senator (1834–45). President Polk appointed him secretary of state (1845–49). Under President Franklin Pierce, Buchanan served as minister to Great Britain (1853–56). After securing the Democratic Party nomination, he defeated John Frémont of the newly formed Republican Party and Millard Fillmore in the presidential election. Buchanan's administration was unpopular, his attempt to compromise between pro- and anti-slavery factions floundered. His efforts to purchase Cuba and acceptance of a pro-slavery constitution in Kansas, contributed to his electoral defeat by Abraham Lincoln. The Southern states seceded and, shortly after Buchanan left office, the American Civil War began.

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