#43: James Buchanan (1857-1861)

James Buchanan’s tenure was marked by his inability to understand the deep divisions in America over slavery. Instead of addressing the conflict, he let it worsen, inadvertently setting the stage for the Civil War in the following years. His presidency was largely criticized for his inability to effectively address the escalating tensions over slavery, which ultimately led to the Civil War.

His passive approach and failure to take decisive action to defuse the crisis eroded public confidence. Buchanan’s policies, such as the controversial Kansas-Nebraska Act, further inflamed tensions between North and South. Additionally, his administration was marked by corruption and patronage, undermining trust in government institutions.