newtownrrt.org – Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, served from 1850 to 1853 following the sudden death of President Zachary Taylor. Fillmore’s presidency was marked by his efforts to address the increasingly divisive issue of slavery and his support for the Compromise of 1850, a series of legislative measures aimed at resolving tensions between the North and South. Although Fillmore’s administration was overshadowed by the growing sectionalism that would lead to the Civil War, his political pragmatism and focus on maintaining national unity during a turbulent time remain important aspects of his legacy.
Early Life and Political Career
Millard Fillmore was born on January 7, 1800, in Summerhill, New York, to a poor family. He had limited formal education, but he was an avid reader and self-taught. At the age of 15, Fillmore began an apprenticeship in a local store, which eventually led him to law school. He passed the bar exam in 1823 and began his law practice in Buffalo, New York.
Fillmore’s political career began in the 1820s when he became involved in local politics. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1829 and later served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1833 to 1835 and again from 1837 to 1843. He was a member of the Whig Party and aligned himself with Henry Clay, supporting measures such as the national bank and protective tariffs. During his time in Congress, Fillmore built a reputation as a moderate, pragmatic politician.
In 1848, Fillmore was elected vice president under Zachary Taylor after the Whig Party successfully nominated Taylor for the presidency. Fillmore’s rise to the presidency came abruptly when President Taylor died unexpectedly in 1850.
The Presidency of Millard Fillmore
Fillmore assumed the presidency on July 9, 1850, following Taylor’s death. His presidency was dominated by the Compromise of 1850, a critical piece of legislation aimed at easing tensions between the North and South over the issue of slavery in the territories acquired after the Mexican-American War.
- The Compromise of 1850: Fillmore’s most significant achievement as president was his support for the Compromise of 1850, a package of five bills aimed at resolving disputes between the slaveholding South and the free North. The compromise was crafted by Henry Clay and other leading politicians, including Stephen A. Douglas, and it sought to address issues such as the status of slavery in newly acquired territories, the slave trade in Washington, D.C., and the fugitive slave law.
Fillmore, although not a passionate supporter of slavery, recognized the importance of keeping the Union intact. He backed the compromise measures, which included:
- The admission of California as a free state.
- The establishment of territories of New Mexico and Utah, with the question of slavery to be decided by popular sovereignty.
- The abolition of the slave trade in the District of Columbia (though slavery itself remained legal).
- A stronger Fugitive Slave Law, which required citizens to assist in the capture of runaway slaves and imposed penalties for aiding their escape.
While the compromise temporarily defused sectional tensions, the Fugitive Slave Law, in particular, caused significant resentment in the North and increased tensions between the North and South. However, Fillmore believed that the passage of the Compromise of 1850 was essential for preserving the Union, and he worked tirelessly to ensure its enactment.
- Foreign Affairs: Fillmore’s foreign policy was marked by a desire to expand American influence abroad, particularly in Asia. One of his most notable achievements in this area was his role in opening trade relations with Japan. In 1852, Fillmore sent Commodore Matthew Perry on a mission to Japan to negotiate a treaty. In 1854, the Treaty of Kanagawa was signed, which opened two Japanese ports to American trade and established diplomatic relations between the United States and Japan. This was a significant achievement in American diplomacy and marked the beginning of U.S. involvement in the Pacific.
Fillmore also oversaw a period of increasing diplomatic engagement with Europe, particularly with the United Kingdom and France, although his administration had little major impact on European affairs.
- Domestic Issues and Economic Challenges: Fillmore faced several domestic challenges during his presidency. The U.S. economy was experiencing growth, but the nation was also dealing with issues related to immigration and the development of new territories.
Fillmore signed into law the Homestead Act of 1850, which offered public land in the western territories to settlers for a nominal fee, with the promise of ownership after a period of residence. This act was part of the broader effort to promote westward expansion and development.
Despite these efforts, Fillmore’s presidency saw growing tensions over the issue of slavery. The passage of the Fugitive Slave Law alienated many Northerners, especially abolitionists, who saw it as a major victory for the pro-slavery South. The law led to increased resistance in the North and was one of the catalysts for the rise of the Free Soil Party and the eventual formation of the Republican Party.
Fillmore’s Challenges and Declining Popularity
Fillmore’s presidency was marked by increasing division within the country. His support for the Compromise of 1850, particularly the Fugitive Slave Law, alienated many in the North, and he failed to win the favor of Southern leaders who were increasingly pushing for the extension of slavery into the new territories.
The political divisions during his time in office laid the groundwork for the collapse of the Whig Party and the rise of sectional political movements. Fillmore’s inability to bridge the gap between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions left him with limited political support. He did not seek re-election in 1852, and he was succeeded by Franklin Pierce, a Democrat who was more sympathetic to Southern interests.
Post-Presidency and Legacy
After leaving office, Fillmore returned to Buffalo, New York, where he remained active in public life. He continued to advocate for his views on various political issues, including his support for the Union and opposition to secession, but he was not a central figure in national politics.
Fillmore ran for president again in 1856 as the Know-Nothing Party candidate, a nativist political movement, but he was unsuccessful. His bid for the presidency in 1856 highlighted his declining influence and the fracturing of American political parties along sectional lines.
Millard Fillmore died on March 8, 1874, at the age of 74. He is often remembered as a president who sought to maintain national unity during a time of intense division, but his efforts to compromise on the issue of slavery were ultimately insufficient to prevent the Civil War.
Conclusion
Millard Fillmore’s presidency is often seen as a transitional period in American history, marked by efforts to manage the growing divide between the North and South over the issue of slavery. His support for the Compromise of 1850 was a significant attempt to prevent the nation from descending into civil conflict, but it ultimately failed to provide a long-term solution to the sectional crisis. While his foreign policy achievements, particularly in Japan, stand out as successes, Fillmore’s inability to address the deeper issues of slavery and the growing sectionalism left a divided nation on the brink of war. Despite his efforts, his legacy is often overshadowed by the events that followed his presidency.