nbaschedule2012now.net – Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, is often considered a less-remarked figure in American history, overshadowed by the more well-known presidents of his time. However, Fillmore’s political journey—from his humble beginnings in rural New York to the highest office in the land—is a story marked by tenacity, strategic maneuvering, and moments of historical significance. His presidency, though brief, played a critical role in the turbulent politics of the antebellum period, particularly surrounding the issue of slavery and national unity.
This article will delve into Millard Fillmore’s political career, exploring his rise from poverty to national prominence, his role in the Whig Party, his time as vice president, his unexpected ascension to the presidency, and his legacy in shaping American politics during a time of crisis.
Early Political Aspirations: Humble Beginnings in New York
The Formative Years
Millard Fillmore was born on January 7, 1800, in a small log cabin in Cayuga County, New York, to Nathaniel Fillmore, a poor farmer, and Phoebe Millard, who valued education despite their modest means. The Fillmore family faced significant hardships, and young Millard was forced to work at an early age to help support his large family. Despite limited resources, Fillmore showed a keen interest in learning, spending much of his time reading and self-educating.
As a teenager, Fillmore worked as an apprentice to a wool-carder, and although the work was physically demanding, he used the opportunity to save enough money to attend the New Hope Academy. His time at the academy was crucial in developing his intellectual abilities and ambition for a better life.
After completing his basic education, Fillmore decided to pursue a career in law. He read law books on his own and was eventually accepted as a law apprentice under a local attorney. By 1823, at the age of 23, he passed the bar exam and began practicing law in East Aurora, New York. His legal career provided him with a stable income and established a foundation for his entry into politics.
Early Political Involvement
Fillmore’s entry into politics came in the early 1820s. He joined the Whig Party after it was founded in the 1830s as a response to President Andrew Jackson’s policies, particularly Jackson’s opposition to a national bank and his stance on the expansion of slavery. Fillmore found himself drawn to the Whig Party’s focus on economic development, modernization, and infrastructure.
In 1828, Fillmore’s political career began in earnest when he was elected to the New York State Assembly. He served two terms and quickly gained recognition as an intelligent, ambitious, and capable politician. His early work in the state legislature focused on issues of infrastructure development and economic policy, both central to the Whig platform.
By the early 1830s, Fillmore’s political reputation was solidifying, and he began positioning himself for a national political career. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1832, where he served for several terms. During his time in the House, Fillmore became known for his moderate stance on many issues, his support for internal improvements, and his work on the Tariff of 1842, which sought to protect American industries.
Rise to National Prominence: The Whig Party and Political Strategy
Fillmore’s Role in the Whig Party
As a member of the Whig Party, Fillmore’s political ideals were shaped by his support for strong economic policies, including a protective tariff to shield American manufacturers, support for a national bank, and a belief in the importance of federal action to promote infrastructure development. He supported a program of national economic expansion, which was at odds with the more populist policies of President Andrew Jackson.
Fillmore’s political strategy in the Whig Party involved aligning himself with figures like Henry Clay, the party’s prominent leader, and Daniel Webster, who advocated for internal improvements and economic development. Fillmore was well-regarded for his steady temperament and his ability to navigate the turbulent political climate of the 1830s and 1840s. His legal background and political savvy allowed him to forge alliances with other Whig leaders, which would prove valuable in his rise to national prominence.
Vice Presidency: A Surprising Ascension
In 1848, Fillmore’s political career took an unexpected turn when he was selected as the running mate for Zachary Taylor, a military hero from the Mexican-American War, in the race for the White House. Taylor was a political outsider with no formal political experience, but his military fame made him a popular candidate. Fillmore, as a prominent member of the Whig Party, was chosen as Taylor’s vice-presidential running mate to balance the ticket and bring political experience to the ticket.
Taylor and Fillmore won the election of 1848, and Fillmore became the vice president. However, his time as vice president was largely uneventful. He presided over the Senate but was largely sidelined in terms of decision-making power, as President Taylor preferred to govern without much involvement from his vice president.
The Sudden Death of President Taylor
In July 1850, just 16 months into his presidency, President Zachary Taylor died unexpectedly from an illness, leaving Millard Fillmore to assume the presidency. Fillmore’s ascension was sudden and unanticipated. At the time, the nation was deeply divided over the issue of slavery, and Fillmore’s first actions as president would be critical in determining how the country navigated the escalating tensions between the North and South.
The Presidency of Millard Fillmore: A Time of Crisis and Change
The Compromise of 1850
One of Fillmore’s most significant acts as president was his support for the Compromise of 1850, a series of legislative measures designed to address the growing tensions over slavery in the newly acquired territories from the Mexican-American War. The compromise, crafted by Henry Clay, sought to balance the interests of the North and the South by admitting California as a free state, establishing territorial governments in Utah and New Mexico, and enacting a stronger Fugitive Slave Act, which required the return of runaway slaves to their owners.
Fillmore supported the compromise, believing that it was the best option for preserving the Union and avoiding civil war. He worked tirelessly to secure passage of the bills, using his influence to rally support in Congress. Although the compromise was controversial, particularly due to the Fugitive Slave Act, it temporarily eased tensions between the North and South and delayed the onset of full-scale conflict.
Foreign Policy: The Opening of Japan
In addition to his domestic policy efforts, Fillmore also achieved a significant foreign policy victory. In 1852, he sent Commodore Matthew Perry on a diplomatic mission to Japan, which had been closed off to the Western world for centuries. Perry’s mission resulted in the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, which opened Japanese ports to American trade and marked the beginning of a new era in U.S.-Japanese relations.
This diplomatic success was important for U.S. foreign policy, as it helped establish the United States as a player in the Pacific region and opened new markets for American goods. It also solidified Fillmore’s reputation as a president who understood the importance of global diplomacy.
Challenges and Political Isolation
Despite these successes, Fillmore’s presidency was fraught with challenges. The Whig Party was increasingly divided over the issue of slavery, and Fillmore’s support for the Compromise of 1850 alienated both pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions. His moderate stance on slavery failed to satisfy the more radical factions on either side, and this left him politically isolated.
In the 1852 presidential election, Fillmore was not nominated by the Whigs for a second term. Instead, the Whig Party chose Winfield Scott, a former military hero, as their candidate. Scott, however, was unable to garner enough support to defeat the Democratic nominee, Franklin Pierce, who won the election.
Post-Presidency: The End of Fillmore’s Political Career
Retirement and Attempts at a Comeback
After leaving the presidency in 1853, Millard Fillmore retired to his home in Buffalo, New York. He remained active in public life, particularly in the realms of education and local politics. Fillmore was a strong supporter of the University at Buffalo, and he worked to expand the institution during his post-presidency years.
In 1856, Fillmore made a bid to return to the presidency, but his attempt was unsuccessful. He ran as the candidate of the Know-Nothing Party, a nativist political organization that sought to limit the influence of immigrants and Catholics. However, the Know-Nothing Party had limited appeal, and Fillmore was defeated by James Buchanan, the Democratic nominee.
The Legacy of Millard Fillmore
Millard Fillmore died on March 8, 1874, at the age of 74. Though his presidency was brief and his political career ended in relative obscurity, his contributions to American politics cannot be ignored. His support for the Compromise of 1850, his foreign policy achievements, and his efforts to keep the Union intact during a period of intense division mark his legacy.
Fillmore’s political journey, from his humble beginnings to the White House, is a reminder that the road to power in American politics can be shaped by determination, political acumen, and the ability to navigate the complex issues of the day. Although his presidency was marked by controversy and political isolation, Fillmore’s influence on the political landscape of his time remains a noteworthy chapter in the history of the United States.