James Buchanan
Contents
Country
United States
Birth - Death
1791 - 1868
Occupation
Politics
Notable Achievements
Head of State
Description
Fifteenth President of the United States (1857-1861). Democratic Party member. Formerly a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (1814-1816), the U.S. Senate (1821-1831), Minister to Russia (1832-1833), Secretary of State (1845-1849), and Ambassador to Great Britain (1853-1856). Noted for his failure to resolve strife between the North and the South on the issue of slavery, which ultimately led to the Civil War - his efforts to appease both sides led to further alienation. He remained a bachelor throughout his life - he was engaged to marry early in his career but broke the engagement off. Lived with William Rufus King for thirteen years (1840-1853) and they attended public events together until King's death. Never publicly confirmed his homosexuality as was the conformity of the time.
