Facts About President Millard Fillmore
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Millard Fillmore was the 13th President of the United States of America, serving from 1850 to 1853. Although he is often considered one of America’s most inconspicuous Presidents, there is plenty of history surrounding Fillmore that should be known.
- Fillmore was born in New York
Millard Fillmore was born in a log cabin in Summer Hill, New York on January 7, 1800. He was the second child of Nathaniel Fillmore and Phoebe Millard.
- He was largely self-educated
Millard Fillmore was largely self-educated, dropping out of school at the age of 15 to become an apprentice to a cloth maker. He later studied law and was admitted to the bar.
- He was a member of the Whig Party
Millard Fillmore was a member of the Whig Party, a political party that existed in the United States during the early 19th century. The Whig Party was formed in the early 1830s in opposition to the policies of President Andrew Jackson.
- Fillmore was Vice President under Taylor
In 1848, Millard Fillmore was elected as Vice President of the United States alongside President Zachary Taylor. However, Taylor died in office in 1850, making Fillmore the President.
- He signed the Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was a series of laws passed by the United States Congress in an attempt to settle disputes over slavery in new territories. Fillmore signed the Compromise into law, allowing California to enter the Union as a free state.
- He was the last Whig President
Millard Fillmore was the last President to be elected from the Whig Party. The party collapsed in the mid-1850s, with many of its members forming the Republican Party.
- He sent the Perry Expedition to Japan
In 1852, Fillmore sent the Perry Expedition to Japan. The expedition was led by Commodore Matthew Perry and helped to establish trade between the United States and Japan.
- He supported the Fugitive Slave Act
Fillmore supported the Fugitive Slave Act, a law that required the return of escaped slaves to their owners. The law was highly controversial and contributed to tensions between Northern and Southern states.
- Fillmore was unsuccessful in his bid for re-election
In 1852, Fillmore ran for re-election as the Presidential candidate for the Whig Party. However, he was defeated by Franklin Pierce, who won the election by a landslide.
- He presided over a time of change in America
Millard Fillmore presided over a time of great change in American history. During his Presidency, the United States was expanding westward, tensions over slavery were increasing, and the country was becoming more connected through the development of new transportation methods.
Despite being overlooked by many, Millard Fillmore was a significant figure in American history. His policies and actions contributed to the shaping of the United States during a critical period of change and growth