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Buchanan's presidency was marred by several disasters stemming from misgauging of public opinion. He did not realize the political weight of the importance of slavery, despite the storm clouds brewing that would soon lead to the Civil War. He felt that the [[Dred Scott]] court decision had settled the issue for good. Also, the newly acquired territory of [[Kansas]] was struggling to decide on a constitution, and several drafts had been proposed, which differed widely on a number of issues, most notably slavery. Buchanan publicly supported the pro-slavery LeCompton Constitution, which was rejected both by most Kansans and by [[Congress]].

Buchanan's presidency was marred by several disasters stemming from misgauging of public opinion. He did not realize the political weight of the importance of slavery, despite the storm clouds brewing that would soon lead to the Civil War. He felt that the [[Dred Scott]] court decision had settled the issue for good. Also, the newly acquired territory of [[Kansas]] was struggling to decide on a constitution, and several drafts had been proposed, which differed widely on a number of issues, most notably slavery. Buchanan publicly supported the pro-slavery LeCompton Constitution, which was rejected both by most Kansans and by [[Congress]].

Buchanan is notable as being the only bachelor president of the United States. He lived with Alabama Senator Rufus King in Washington for many years. [[Andrew Jackson]] called  them “Miss Nancy and Aunt Fancy,” implying that the two had an improper sexual relationship. (Buchanan served as Jackson's minister to Russia.) The accusation has been revived by some modern writers, but it is likely to be scurrilous.<ref>"[http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/question-15-so-uh%E2%80%A6-james-buchanan-part-ii Question 15: So, Uh... James Buchanan? (Part II)]"</ref>

Buchanan is notable as being the only bachelor president of the United States. He lived with Alabama Senator Rufus King in Washington for many years. [[Andrew Jackson]] called  them “Miss Nancy and Aunt Fancy,” suggesting that the two men were effeminate and overly intimate. (Buchanan served as Jackson's minister to Russia.) Some modern writers have argued that the relationship was sexual, but this accusation is likely to be scurrilous.<ref>"[http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/question-15-so-uh%E2%80%A6-james-buchanan-part-ii Question 15: So, Uh... James Buchanan? (Part II)]"</ref>

==References==

==References==