America 250 · #13 President · 1850–1853
Millard Fillmore
Signed the Fugitive Slave Act and bought the Union a decade it used badly.
The biography
Millard Fillmore
Paul Finkelman · 2011
American Presidents Series — a legal historian, unsparing on the Fugitive Slave Act.
Worth considering
Millard Fillmore: Biography of a President
Robert J. Rayback · 1959
The only full-length biography; more sympathetic.
Common questions
What is the best biography of Millard Fillmore?
The definitive biography of Millard Fillmore is the book titled Millard Fillmore by Paul Finkelman. It provides a comprehensive analysis of his presidency, specifically focusing on his role in signing the Fugitive Slave Act and his efforts to delay the onset of the American Civil War.
Should I start with Paul Finkelman's book to learn about Millard Fillmore?
Yes, Paul Finkelman's Millard Fillmore is the recommended starting point for readers. It is considered the most authoritative account of his time in office, covering the critical political tensions of the early 1850s and the consequences of the legislation he signed during his term as president.
Are there alternative biographies for Millard Fillmore besides the one by Paul Finkelman?
While Paul Finkelman's work is the definitive biography, there is one alternative biography available for those seeking a different perspective or trade-off. This additional text covers the same period of Millard Fillmore's administration, providing further historical context regarding his controversial decision to sign the Fugitive Slave Act.
How does the biography of Millard Fillmore address the Fugitive Slave Act?
The biography of Millard Fillmore by Paul Finkelman examines how he signed the Fugitive Slave Act into law. The book details how this legislative action was intended to preserve the Union, ultimately buying the nation a decade of time that was poorly utilized before the outbreak of the Civil War.
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