Middle 19th Century, 1845-1861

Zachary Taylor: A Chronology of His Life and Career
Zachary Taylor served his country for 40 years as a soldier and for 16 months as President. His courage and ability during the Mexican War made him a national hero. He showed the same courage as President, but died before he could prove his full abilities as a statesman.

Individual Biography, A-Z

James Knox Polk's Administration, 1845-1849
As President, James Knox Polk successfully directed the Mexican War. He carried out every item of his political program, making him the most successful President since George Washington.

Mexican War, 1846-1848

Zachary Taylor's Administration, 1849-1850
Zachary Taylor was one of the large slaveowners of the South, but as President he did not oppose admitting California and New Mexico as free states.

Millard Fillmore's Administration, 1850-1853

Franklin Pierce's Administration, 1853-1857
As President, Franklin Pierce faced two difficult problems: (1) growing Northern opposition to any expansion of slavery, and (2) rising prejudice against immigrants.

James Buchanan's Administration, 1857-1861
James Buchanan personally opposed slavery, but, as President, he insisted that the Constitution protected slavery and that the laws muct be obeyed.