Tag Archives: james buchanan

Civil War Podcast, Episode 28

ESCALATING CRISIS

James Buchanan (1791-1868)


In which we head back north of the Mason-Dixon Line to see what was going on in Springfield, Illinois & Washington, D.C. during the steady escalation of the secession crisis.

Our book recommendation for this episode is Lincoln President-Elect: Abraham Lincoln and the Great Secession Winter of 1860-1861 by Harold Holzer.

“This is a stunningly original work that casts completely new light on the most turbulent and critical presidential transition in American history. Holzer’s superb narrative skill, along with his abundant use of colorful details, creates an atmosphere of such immediacy that the reader feels transported back to ‘the Great Secession Winter’ as an eyewitness to Lincoln’s gifted leadership during this dramatic period. This groundbreaking book will take its place with the most valuable and indispensable works in the Lincoln canon.”  ~  Doris Kearns Goodwin


Listen to Episode 28: EscalatingCrisis

Civil War Podcast, Episode 14

James Buchanan
(1791-1868)

In which we discuss the three-way presidential contest of 1856 & its importance in the stunning rise of the Republican Party.  Plus, we see Abraham Lincoln start to position himself to be a leading national figure in the party.

Our book recommendation for this episode is James Buchanan by Jean H Baker.

Almost no president was as well trained and well prepared for the office as James Buchanan.  he had served in the Pennsylvania state legislature, the U.S. House, and the U.S. Senate; he was Secretary of State and was even offered a seat on the Supreme Court.  And yet, by every measure except his own, James Buchanan was a miserable failure as president.  Historian Jean H. Baker explains that we have rightly placed Buchanan at the bottom of the presidential rankings, but that is no excuse to forget him.  To study Buchanan is to consider the implications of weak leadership in a time of national crisis.  Elegantly written, Baker’s book offers a balanced look at a crucial moment in our nation’s history and explores a man who, when given the opportunity, failed to rise to the challenge.

 
** This episode of the podcast contains explicit language. **

Listen to Episode 14: Election1856