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The Life of Millard Fillmore
The Life of Millard Fillmore is the 13th installment in
Presidential Chronicles
, the series of books and videos on American history as seen through the lives of the Presidents of the United States. Historian David Fisher created this series to tell the stories of all the U.S. Presidents, with robust yet concise chronicles of their lives. His extensive use of quotes and period-specific images help convey the essence of these national leaders, delivered in a digestible format that will cater to those with a casual interest in American Presidents, as well as hard core enthusiasts.
The Life of Millard Fillmore chronicles the life of the nation’s 13th President. Here’s a sample, with some perspective from David
“In those rare moments when historians bother to remember Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, it is usually with words of derision. Fillmore is blamed for his rigid enforcement of the odious Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, as well as scorned for having such a lust for power that he was willing to seek to regain the presidency as the standard-bearer of the discriminatory Know-Nothing political party which embraced anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic tenets at its core. … Others can’t get past poking fun of his odd first name. …
The Millard Fillmore story, however, is far more nuanced than these simplistic references. … Fillmore was for adherence to the Constitution and preservation of the Union against all hazards. Almost anything else could be sacrificed to attain these perpetual goals, leading him to associate with laws and groups that were founded on bigoted beliefs. … He would seemingly join any group if he felt it could accomplish that objective. In the end, Fillmore’s story ultimately provides useful insight into why no political solution – not even a grand compromise – could prevent a bloody Civil War as the only means to resolve the inherent conflict of America’s original sin of slavery, whose seeds had been firmly planted as a compromise in the Constitution itself.”
The Presidential Chronicles series will eventually include biographies of every U.S. President, made available as individual E-Books as well as in groups of five in printed volumes.
The Life of Millard Fillmore chronicles the life of the nation’s 13th President. Here’s a sample, with some perspective from David
“In those rare moments when historians bother to remember Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, it is usually with words of derision. Fillmore is blamed for his rigid enforcement of the odious Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, as well as scorned for having such a lust for power that he was willing to seek to regain the presidency as the standard-bearer of the discriminatory Know-Nothing political party which embraced anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic tenets at its core. … Others can’t get past poking fun of his odd first name. …
The Millard Fillmore story, however, is far more nuanced than these simplistic references. … Fillmore was for adherence to the Constitution and preservation of the Union against all hazards. Almost anything else could be sacrificed to attain these perpetual goals, leading him to associate with laws and groups that were founded on bigoted beliefs. … He would seemingly join any group if he felt it could accomplish that objective. In the end, Fillmore’s story ultimately provides useful insight into why no political solution – not even a grand compromise – could prevent a bloody Civil War as the only means to resolve the inherent conflict of America’s original sin of slavery, whose seeds had been firmly planted as a compromise in the Constitution itself.”
The Presidential Chronicles series will eventually include biographies of every U.S. President, made available as individual E-Books as well as in groups of five in printed volumes.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2021
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About the author
David Fisher
350 books50 followersLibrarian note:
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There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 5, 2023
Another president, another guy who didn't do anything to end slavery even though he "hated" it. Another vice-president taking over in the mid 19th century when the president died. This book was well-written, and, of course hind-sight is 20/20. It's kind of a shame because Fillmore really seemed mostly like a decent guy (he loved animals!), but I just can't forgive a guy from New York allowing and enforcing the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 to have been passed. And joining a new party based on discrimination against Catholics and immigrants just to try to get elected again. His ambition was showing through his love of horses and puppies. Anyway...worth a read since I knew none of this before reading. The 3.5 stars is really for the subject of the book, not the book itself.
August 2, 2022
Interesting.
Lot of good knowledge about Fillmore and his life. Didn't realize he was the one that was involved in the wig party.
Lot of good knowledge about Fillmore and his life. Didn't realize he was the one that was involved in the wig party.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews