1. TOPIC 32; PRESIDENTS 12-16 PRESIDENTS UP TO 1865

2. 12. ZACHARY TAYLOR (1849-1850) Whig Party – but didn’t want to run and said he did it without Whig financial support. “Old rough and ready” from the Mexican War – the general that beat Santa Anna. Believed each state should decide it’s slavery status. Died in office – cholera from cherries and milk President for just over a year, so no major accomplishments.

3. 13. MILLARD FILLMORE (1850-1853) Was Taylor’s VP. Family were poor farmers from NY. Helped develop NY public school system after becoming a lawyer. Important events: Compromise of 1850 Western Territory debates Uncle Tom’s Cabin released. Sent Commodore Perry to Japan to establish trade. Whigs didn’t select him in 1852.

4. 14. FRANKLIN PIERCE (1853-57) Democrat Served in the Mexican War. Won the nomination in 1852 because after 35 votes, no nominee had been selected! Wife hated Washington All three sons died, the last in a railroad accident just before he moved to DC. Important Events: Gadsen Purchase Kansas-Nebraska Act

5. 15. JAMES BUCHANAN (1857-1861) Democrat – only suitable candidate for 1856. Expelled from college for bad conduct, later allowed to return. Never married. His niece served as hostess. Important Events: Dred Scott decision Slavery debates Secession

6. ABRAHAM LINCOLN IS ELECTED PRESIDENT Republican Party ran Abraham Lincoln from Illinois. Democrat Party split: Northern – Stephen Douglas Southern – John Breckinridge Constitutional Union Party - John Bell

7. THE ELECTORAL MAP – ELECTION OF 1860.

8. STATES SECEDE FROM THE UNION Many in the south are afraid that Lincoln would abolish slavery (even though he said he wouldn’t) South Carolina secedes first – Dec. 20, 1860 Next 6 weeks– Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas. Then, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia.

9. 16. ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1861-65) First Republican President From Illinois Important events: Civil War Emancipation Proclamation First President assassinated.