James Buchanan

The American Presidents Series: The 15th President, 1857-1861

Nonfiction, History, Americas, United States, 19th Century, Biography & Memoir, Political
Cover of the book James Buchanan by Jean H. Baker, Henry Holt and Co.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jean H. Baker ISBN: 9781429998406
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. Publication: June 7, 2004
Imprint: Times Books Language: English
Author: Jean H. Baker
ISBN: 9781429998406
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Publication: June 7, 2004
Imprint: Times Books
Language: English

A provocative reconsideration of a presidency on the brink of Civil War

Almost no president was as well trained and well prepared for the office as James Buchanan. He had served in the Pennsylvania state legislature, the U.S. House, and the U.S. Senate; he was Secretary of State and was even offered a seat on the Supreme Court. And yet, by every measure except his own, James Buchanan was a miserable failure as president, leaving office in disgrace. Virtually all of his intentions were thwarted by his own inability to compromise: he had been unable to resolve issues of slavery, caused his party to split-thereby ensuring the election of the first Republican president, Abraham Lincoln-and made the Civil War all but inevitable.

Historian Jean H. Baker explains that we have rightly placed Buchanan at the end of the presidential rankings, but his poor presidency should not be an excuse to forget him. To study Buchanan is to consider the implications of weak leadership in a time of national crisis. Elegantly written, Baker's volume offers a balanced look at a crucial moment in our nation's history and explores a man who, when given the opportunity, failed to rise to the challenge.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A provocative reconsideration of a presidency on the brink of Civil War

Almost no president was as well trained and well prepared for the office as James Buchanan. He had served in the Pennsylvania state legislature, the U.S. House, and the U.S. Senate; he was Secretary of State and was even offered a seat on the Supreme Court. And yet, by every measure except his own, James Buchanan was a miserable failure as president, leaving office in disgrace. Virtually all of his intentions were thwarted by his own inability to compromise: he had been unable to resolve issues of slavery, caused his party to split-thereby ensuring the election of the first Republican president, Abraham Lincoln-and made the Civil War all but inevitable.

Historian Jean H. Baker explains that we have rightly placed Buchanan at the end of the presidential rankings, but his poor presidency should not be an excuse to forget him. To study Buchanan is to consider the implications of weak leadership in a time of national crisis. Elegantly written, Baker's volume offers a balanced look at a crucial moment in our nation's history and explores a man who, when given the opportunity, failed to rise to the challenge.

More books from Henry Holt and Co.

Cover of the book A Squirrelly Situation: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet by Jean H. Baker
Cover of the book Drive-By by Jean H. Baker
Cover of the book George H. W. Bush by Jean H. Baker
Cover of the book Sinusitis Relief by Jean H. Baker
Cover of the book The Golden Dozen: Is the Ivy League Worth the Dollars? by Jean H. Baker
Cover of the book Leopard & Silkie by Jean H. Baker
Cover of the book Sacred Geography by Jean H. Baker
Cover of the book Animal Weapons by Jean H. Baker
Cover of the book Charmed Circle by Jean H. Baker
Cover of the book Construction Kitties by Jean H. Baker
Cover of the book All the Way to Havana by Jean H. Baker
Cover of the book Franklin Pierce by Jean H. Baker
Cover of the book Ask Bob by Jean H. Baker
Cover of the book Everything Is Miscellaneous by Jean H. Baker
Cover of the book Marshfield Dreams by Jean H. Baker
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy