James Buchanan was born near Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. Educated at Dickinson College, he became a lawyer in 1812. Buchanan then turned to politics, serving in the Pennsylvania legislature from 1814 to 1816 and in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1821 to 1831. He served as minister to Russia from 1832 to 1834. After returning to the United States, he was elected to the U.S. Senate. Buchanan opposed the idea of slavery but defended the practice as constitutional. He also denounced the abolitionist movement. Buchanan served as secretary of state during the presidency of James K. Polk. From 1853 to 1856, Buchanan served as minister to Great Britain. In 1856 he was nominated by the Democratic Party and elected president. During his presidency, Buchanan attempted to keep peace between the North and the South—with little success. After leaving office, he denounced the secession of South Carolina and supported the Union during the Civil War.
