Millard Fillmore, born on January 7, 1800, was the 13th President of the United States. He stepped into the role after the sudden death of President Zachary Taylor, becoming the second president to assume office without being elected to the position. Fillmore’s presidency occurred during a critical time in American history, with growing tensions over slavery and sectional divisions. While his time in office is often seen as lacking decisive leadership, his role in the Compromise of 1850 stands out as a pivotal moment in his administration.
Early Life and Education
A Humble Beginning
Millard Fillmore was born in a log cabin in Summerhill, New York, to a poor family. His parents, Nathaniel and Phoebe Fillmore, were hardworking but struggled financially. Fillmore’s early years were marked by hardship, but his love for learning helped him overcome the challenges of poverty. With little formal education available, Fillmore largely educated himself by reading books and learning from others. His determination to better himself would shape his future career.
Education and Early Ambitions
Although Fillmore’s early education was minimal, he eventually attended a local school where he became a dedicated student. At the age of 15, he began an apprenticeship as a cloth cutter. This hands-on experience helped him save money to attend the New Hope Academy, where he studied law. By 1823, he had passed the bar exam and began practicing law in the city of Buffalo, New York.
Political Career Before the Presidency
Rising Through Local Politics
Fillmore’s interest in politics began after he moved to Buffalo. He joined the Whig Party and quickly became involved in local politics, gaining recognition for his efforts to improve the city. His first major political role came when he was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1829. Fillmore’s growing reputation as a hardworking and thoughtful politician led him to a successful career in public office.
Congressman and Vice President
In 1832, Fillmore was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. During his time in Congress, he became known for his strong support of internal improvements and his advocacy for a moderate stance on issues of slavery. He was re-elected several times and served until 1843. His work in Congress laid the foundation for his later political success.
Fillmore’s national prominence grew when he was chosen as the running mate of Zachary Taylor in the 1848 election. Taylor won the presidency, and Fillmore became Vice President. However, Fillmore’s time as vice president was brief, as fate would soon propel him into the presidency.
Presidency (1850–1853)
The Accession to the Presidency
In July 1850, President Zachary Taylor suddenly passed away after a brief illness, and Fillmore ascended to the presidency. At the time, the nation was in turmoil over the issue of slavery, and Fillmore was thrust into a political crisis. While Taylor had been a slave-owning Southerner, Fillmore, though from a Northern state, struggled with the complex issues surrounding the expanding nation and slavery’s role.
The Compromise of 1850
One of the most significant events of Fillmore’s presidency was his support for the Compromise of 1850. This series of laws aimed to resolve the growing sectional tensions between the North and South, largely over the issue of slavery. The legislation included the admission of California as a free state, the creation of territorial governments in Utah and New Mexico, and the controversial Fugitive Slave Act.
While Fillmore believed that the compromise was necessary to preserve the Union, many of his decisions, particularly supporting the Fugitive Slave Act, alienated Northern abolitionists and were deeply unpopular with many in the North. However, he saw the compromise as a necessary step to prevent civil war.
Domestic Policies and Challenges
In addition to his work on slavery, Fillmore also focused on internal improvements. He signed laws to help promote the construction of railroads and other infrastructure projects. However, his presidency was marked by political instability, and Fillmore’s inability to fully unite the country during his time in office made him a relatively weak president in the eyes of many historians.
Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
Fillmore’s presidency also saw some diplomatic successes, most notably the opening of Japan to American trade. Under his administration, Commodore Matthew Perry sailed to Japan in 1853, eventually leading to the Treaty of Kanagawa, which established trade relations between Japan and the United States. This was a significant foreign policy achievement for Fillmore and marked a new chapter in U.S.-Asian relations.
Post-Presidency and Later Life
Retirement and Later Political Involvement
After leaving the White House in 1853, Fillmore retired from public life for a while, returning to Buffalo. However, he did not stay out of politics for long. In 1856, Fillmore ran for president again as the candidate of the Know-Nothing Party, a nativist organization that sought to limit the influence of immigrants and Catholics. He was unsuccessful in his bid and did not return to national politics.
Death and Legacy
Millard Fillmore passed away on March 8, 1874, at the age of 74. Though his presidency is often considered ineffective, his contributions to foreign diplomacy and his role in the Compromise of 1850 continue to be discussed by historians. He remains a somewhat controversial figure, with some praising his efforts to maintain peace between the North and South, while others criticize his stance on slavery and his inability to unite a fractured nation.
Legacy and Historical Assessment
Mixed Views on Fillmore’s Presidency
Millard Fillmore’s presidency is often viewed as a period of compromise, but it is also one of missed opportunities. He is frequently criticized for not taking a stronger stand on slavery, and his support for the Fugitive Slave Act is often seen as a moral failing. On the other hand, his diplomatic achievements, particularly the opening of Japan, earned him recognition for his foreign policy efforts.
Place in American History
In the broader context of American history, Fillmore’s presidency is often seen as a bridge between the administration of Zachary Taylor and the looming crises that would lead to the Civil War. While Fillmore’s efforts at compromise were not enough to prevent the eventual conflict, his presidency highlighted the complexities and divisions that would soon tear the nation apart.
Conclusion
Millard Fillmore’s time in office was marked by significant challenges, both domestically and internationally. While his presidency is often regarded as ineffective in resolving the nation’s deepening divisions, his role in the Compromise of 1850 and his foreign policy accomplishments, such as opening Japan, are key aspects of his legacy. Fillmore’s leadership, or lack thereof, continues to provoke debate, and his presidency remains an important chapter in the story of America’s path to the Civil War.