Who? - In my opinion, James Buchanan wasn't a very good president. President Buchanan didn't do much for the country, if anything. Many people, including myself, believe he actually could have prevented the Civil War, had he done better leading the country. During the time of Buchanan's presidency slavery was a big issue. The North felt slavery was wrong and wanted it to stop, while the south needed slaves for their farms. Buchanan didn't like slavery, but he felt he didn't have the right it stop it. Therefore, he decided on a policy of inactivity, he did nothing. I think that if he had done something about the problem at the time, the Civil War could have been prevented. .
What? - James Buchanan was an excellent lawyer. He had good persuasion skills that helped him win his presidential election. He also had a very neutral personality. During his campaign no one knew where he stood on the slavery issue. He thought it would be better to not address it, therefore not offend anyone. This attitude stuck when he became president too. Buchanan did nothing to stop slavery, nor did he defend it. He was very neutral.
When and Where? - If I traveled back in time to meet President Buchanan, I would go back to year 1863. President Buchanan retired in 1861 and moved to Wheatland, Pennsylvania (near Lancaster). I would go to his home in Wheatland to ask him about his presidency. I would like to know where he stood on issues that arose during his term. I think he would be a very interesting person to meet.
Why? - The story of President James Buchanan is very interesting. Buchanan was the 15th president of the United States. He also had an interesting personal life. Did you know he never married? He was in love once, but her parents didn't approve of him so she broke it off. I think anyone interested in history would have a good time researching James Buchanan.
How? - I don't think that President Buchanan thought he was a very good president.