iqsafe.info – Millard Fillmore, the 13th president of the United States, often finds his place in history overshadowed by more well-known figures like Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Jackson. Nevertheless, his presidency and influence extend beyond just his time in office. Fillmore’s legacy is intricately tied to his decisions within his Cabinet, and the members of his administration played a crucial role in shaping the policies of his presidency. Fillmore, although not always remembered for his dynamic leadership, made key appointments that were vital to both domestic and foreign affairs during a critical period in American history.
His Cabinet was a diverse mix of politicians and statesmen who reflected the challenges and issues facing the United States in the mid-19th century. These men, many of whom had a significant influence on the political scene of their time, worked with Fillmore to navigate some of the most complex political, economic, and social issues that the country had encountered.
The Cabinet under Millard Fillmore: A Time of Compromise and Change
Appointments in the Context of Crisis
Fillmore assumed the presidency in 1850, following the sudden death of President Zachary Taylor. The nation was embroiled in a debate over slavery, the future of the newly acquired territories from the Mexican-American War, and the balance of power between the North and South. Fillmore’s Cabinet appointments were thus made with these issues in mind. In a time of national crisis, his selections were aimed at preserving the Union and finding a path to compromise. This was crucial, as the nation faced a growing divide that would eventually culminate in the Civil War.
Fillmore, a former congressman and vice president, had experience working with diverse political factions and had a deep understanding of the political landscape. He knew the importance of bringing together a team that could work across party lines. His Cabinet included men with a range of ideological positions, from moderates to conservatives, but all shared a commitment to maintaining the Union, even if it meant compromising on contentious issues like slavery.
Key Figures in Fillmore’s Cabinet
Millard Fillmore’s Cabinet consisted of individuals who played key roles in his administration and the broader political context of the time. Among the most notable were:
1. Daniel Webster – Secretary of State
One of Fillmore’s most important appointments was Daniel Webster as Secretary of State. Webster was an esteemed statesman and one of the most renowned orators of his time. He had previously served as a congressman and senator from Massachusetts and had been a prominent figure in national politics, known for his powerful speeches advocating for the preservation of the Union.
Webster played a crucial role in negotiating the Compromise of 1850, a package of legislation designed to settle the issue of slavery in the newly acquired territories. Webster’s support for the compromise, especially the controversial Fugitive Slave Act, was pivotal in getting the legislation passed. Although Webster’s stance on the issue of slavery was complex—he was not an abolitionist but believed in the preservation of the Union—his support of the compromise caused him to lose support in his home state of Massachusetts, where abolitionists were gaining influence.
2. William H. Seward – Secretary of State (Appointed in 1861)
Though William Seward did not serve directly under Fillmore (he was appointed in 1861 under Lincoln), he had been an influential member of the Whig Party prior to Fillmore’s time in office. A staunch abolitionist, Seward’s political views were diametrically opposed to Fillmore’s moderate stance on slavery. Nonetheless, Seward’s influence on American foreign policy would become significant after Fillmore’s time, particularly with his role in acquiring Alaska from Russia.
3. Thomas Corwin – Secretary of the Treasury
A well-respected Ohio politician, Thomas Corwin was appointed Secretary of the Treasury by Fillmore. Corwin had previously served as a congressman and governor of Ohio, and he was a strong advocate for economic reform and a stable national financial system. During his time in office, Corwin faced a burgeoning economic crisis, and his efforts helped strengthen the nation’s financial standing. He also worked on the country’s efforts to expand foreign trade.
4. William A. Graham – Secretary of the Navy
As a member of Fillmore’s Cabinet, William A. Graham worked on strengthening the Navy and promoting U.S. interests overseas. Graham was an experienced political figure from North Carolina and played a role in the Perry Expedition to Japan, which eventually led to the opening of Japan to trade with the United States. This was one of the most notable foreign policy achievements during Fillmore’s presidency and helped set the stage for future American interactions with East Asia.
5. Edward Everett – Secretary of State (Appointed in 1852)
Edward Everett, another prominent figure of the era, briefly served as Secretary of State under Fillmore after Daniel Webster’s departure in 1852. Everett was known for his diplomatic experience and eloquent speeches. Though he had limited time in Fillmore’s Cabinet, he played an important role in U.S. foreign relations during a pivotal period.
6. John M. Clayton – Secretary of State (1850-1852)
John M. Clayton, who was also a key player in foreign diplomacy during Fillmore’s presidency, served as Secretary of State before Everett. Clayton was instrumental in drafting the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty with Great Britain, which sought to resolve issues related to the construction of a canal across Central America, something that would become a major topic of U.S. foreign policy later on.
7. Jacob Collamer – Postmaster General
Jacob Collamer, a former senator from Vermont, was appointed Postmaster General during Fillmore’s presidency. Collamer was a member of the Whig Party and a moderate voice in politics. During his time in office, he focused on improving the efficiency of the postal system and managing the growing demands of a rapidly expanding nation.
8. Abel Upshur – Secretary of the Navy
Abel Upshur was another important member of Fillmore’s Cabinet. He succeeded William A. Graham and was deeply involved in efforts to modernize the Navy. Upshur was a staunch supporter of the expansion of American influence abroad, which he viewed as vital for the nation’s growth.
The Impact of Fillmore’s Cabinet on the Country
Fillmore’s Cabinet played a significant role in the unfolding events of the 1850s, especially in terms of foreign relations and national politics. His leadership helped ensure the passage of the Compromise of 1850, a series of laws that sought to balance the interests of slaveholding states and free states. While the compromise did not solve the issue of slavery, it did delay the outbreak of the Civil War for another decade.
His administration also saw the opening of Japan to the United States, largely through the diplomatic efforts of Commodore Matthew Perry, who was sent by Fillmore to negotiate a treaty with Japan. The Treaty of Kanagawa was signed in 1854, marking a significant shift in American foreign policy and increasing its influence in the Pacific region.
While Fillmore’s Cabinet worked diligently to manage domestic and foreign affairs, his political career would ultimately be marred by the increasing divisions over slavery, the rise of the Republican Party, and his failure to secure the Whig Party’s future. Despite this, his Cabinet’s actions were vital in shaping the policies of the era, and Fillmore’s moderate approach to politics helped prevent the country from descending into outright conflict during the years of his presidency.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Millard Fillmore’s Cabinet
Millard Fillmore’s Cabinet may not have been as famous or as flashy as those of some of his successors, but it was undeniably influential in shaping the course of American history during a tumultuous time. The men he appointed worked to navigate the political and social challenges of their era, and their actions continue to reverberate in U.S. history. From domestic compromises on slavery to foreign policy triumphs, Fillmore’s Cabinet helped define the trajectory of the country during the pre-Civil War years.
While Fillmore’s own place in history may be overshadowed by the events that followed, his administration remains a significant moment in the story of the United States. His Cabinet, and the decisions they made together, was central to his presidency, reflecting his belief in pragmatism and compromise during a period of division. Their work allowed Fillmore to serve as a moderate leader during a time of great uncertainty, and their efforts provided an enduring legacy in both domestic and international policy.