The Top 5 Accomplishments of President James Buchanan

James Buchanan Jr. was the 15th president of the United States, serving from 1857 to 1861. A lawyer and diplomat by trade, Buchanan is best known for his tumultuous presidency during which the country descended into Civil War. Despite this, Buchanan accomplished a great deal during his time in office. Here are five interesting facts about James Buchanan Jr.’s accomplishments as president:

Alaska

During his tenure, Buchanan helped to negotiate the purchase of Alaska from Russia, a move which was widely criticized at the time but is now seen as highly advantageous to the United States.

Civil War

Buchanan also worked tirelessly to try and avert the Civil War. In fact, he is the only president in American history who did not seek reelection in order to avoid further dividing the country.

Economic Growth

Under Buchanan’s leadership, the United States saw a period of economic growth thanks to his policies of free trade and open immigration.

Infrastructure

Buchanan was also responsible for the construction of several important infrastructure projects, including the transcontinental railroad.

Civil Rights

Finally, Buchanan was a strong advocate for civil rights and was the first president to appoint a black man to a prominent government position. While he was not able to prevent the Civil War, Buchanan’s accomplishments as president helped to lay the foundation for a stronger, more united America.