The Worst Presidents in U.S. History: A Closer Look
Written on
Chapter 1: Historical Context of Presidential Rankings
Throughout history, the phrase “This is the worst president ever” echoes frequently, often fueled by recency bias—the inclination to prioritize recent events over those in the past. When we consult historians, it's clear that James Buchanan consistently occupies the bottom rank, even falling below the much-maligned Donald J. Trump, who ranked fourth from the bottom in a recent survey:
The left side of the chart displays overall scores, while the right indicates their rankings (Author via C-Span). Buchanan's score was nearly 100 points lower than Trump's. What factors contributed to Buchanan’s disastrous presidency?
Section 1.1: Defining Presidential Failures
To begin with, Buchanan’s inauguration was marred by his inebriation, making it the first such event ever photographed:
His penchant for alcohol continued throughout his time in office, alongside a temperament that was often irritable. He possessed an inflated self-image and ignored the advice of more astute colleagues. However, these issues only scratch the surface of his presidency's failures.
Subsection 1.1.1: Buchanan’s Critical Misjudgments
Elected in 1856, during a time of intense conflict over slavery, the American populace was increasingly ready to move on from this brutal institution, albeit with fears of impending civil war. The nation needed a decisive leader, yet Buchanan consistently displayed ignorance or made egregiously poor choices at pivotal moments.
Buchanan’s background was impressive—he boasted one of the most distinguished resumes of any president. Nevertheless, he chose to placate southern interests, aligning with pro-slavery factions that emboldened their cause. One of his most egregious acts was supplying arms and munitions to southern states, fully aware they would be utilized in an impending Civil War. In essence, he financially supported the slaughter of his fellow Americans.
Section 1.2: The Landmark Dred Scott Decision
The case of Dred Scott, a slave who sought freedom, placed the nation in a precarious position. Buchanan exerted pressure on the Supreme Court to rule against Scott, culminating in one of the most controversial legal opinions ever delivered:
> "A slave who sued for his freedom because he had lived with his master for a time in a free state was not free; no slave or black person could be a citizen of the U.S.; Congress had no power to exclude slavery from a territory;"
This ruling effectively reinforced and expanded the legality of slavery, allowing it to seep into new territories. Furthermore, it dictated that any escaped slaves who managed to reach the north would be returned to their owners, igniting outrage in northern states. When northern legislators attempted to protect escaped slaves, Buchanan opposed these efforts vehemently, all while masquerading as a neutral player in the conflict.
Chapter 2: Economic Mismanagement and Political Consequences
In this video, the discussion revolves around the ranking of Trump as the worst president in American history, exploring the factors that led to this assessment.
Buchanan surrounded himself with sycophants and pro-slavery advocates, and when an economic downturn struck, he failed to take action. He advocated for a limited government approach, claiming it lacked the capacity to aid those most affected by the recession. This same rationale was employed to justify slavery, allowing states to make their own decisions, which only served to strengthen southern resolve as they began to arm themselves.
As Abraham Lincoln’s presidency loomed, seven states chose to secede from the Union, pushing the nation to the brink of war. Rather than de-escalating tensions, Buchanan remained passive as the south mobilized and seized ports and resources, abandoning responsibility.
The Takeaway: Lasting Impacts of Buchanan’s Presidency
Even if one believes that the Civil War was inevitable, it was far more destructive and lengthy than necessary, largely due to Buchanan's inaction. His presidency saw the loss of approximately 750,000 lives, marking it as the deadliest conflict in American history.
Buchanan left office with an economy in shambles, transitioning a surplus into an $18 million deficit (equivalent to around $1.7 billion today). In contrast, while some may view Trump unfavorably, he pales in comparison to a president who actively endeavored to sustain slavery and permitted half the nation to break away, unleashing a formidable military force.
Buchanan spent his later years attempting to defend his tarnished legacy, rarely venturing from home due to public disdain. He believed history would vindicate him, but he was sorely mistaken.
To conclude on a more uplifting note, it's noteworthy that Abraham Lincoln is frequently celebrated as the greatest president in American history. His emergence as a leader coincided with Buchanan’s failures, as Lincoln courageously abolished slavery and preserved national unity. Tragically, like many great leaders, he paid the ultimate price for his principles.
This video explores the five worst presidents in U.S. history, delving into their policies and legacies.