President James Buchanan and the crisis of national leadership / Thomas A. Horrocks.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Horrocks, Thomas A.

Series:

First Men, America's Presidents

First men, America's presidents series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868.

Buchanan, James.

Presidents--United States--Biography.

Presidents.

United States--Politics and government--1857-1861.

United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (175 p.)

Place of Publication:

New York : Nova Science Publisher's, Inc., c2012.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Although none of his contemporaries considered Buchanan a political genius or a brilliant statesman, many thought in 1856 that he was the right man for the times. Few have assumed the office of the presidency with such a sterling résumé as Buchanan. With many years of experience, including stints as a member of the United States House of Representatives and Senate, Minister to Russia, Secretary of State, and Minister to Great Britain, he seemed well equipped to deal with the brewing sectional crisis he faced as president. Buchanan entered office during a time that required strong and decisive presidential leadership. Yet, despite his years of political experience, James Buchanan failed to provide that leadership. This book examines the life and presidency of James Buchanan and seeks to explain why such an experienced politician failed the test of leadership in a time of national crisis.

Contents:

From a log cabin to a Russian court

Diplomacy and politics

Into the storm

Panic, rebellion, and political suicide

Aggressive expansionist

The road to secession

The secession winter

The sage of Wheatland

Conclusion: James Buchanan and the crisis of national leadership.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 135-142) and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-62100-575-5