Description
James Buchanan was the only president who was a lifelong bachelor. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives but also served as minister to Russia under Jackson and secretary of state under Polk. He turned down an offer for an appointment to the Supreme Court. Buchanan, a Democrat, won the presidency in a three-way race with John Fremont and Millard Fillmore. As a northerner with Southern sympathies, James Buchanan was called a “doughface.” He viewed secession as illegal, although he felt going to war to prevent it was also illegal. Historians consider his failure to deal with secession the worst presidential mistake ever made.
The secretary of state was created as part of the president’s cabinet beginning with the administration of George Washington. Washington created four cabinet positions to provide him with a source of key advisers, in the form of the attorney general, secretary of the treasury, secretary of state, and secretary of war. Current presidential cabinets are made up of sixteen officers. Members are chosen by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The secretary of state is regarded as the most senior position in the Cabinet and is fourth in the line of succession to the president.
This James Buchanan history mug is part of our Secretary of State series which includes the many unique individuals who served as U.S. Secretary of State.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia-tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
