Abraham Lincoln becomes the 16th U.S. president and prepares to face the sectional crisis head-on.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
Abraham Lincoln becomes the 16th U.S. president and prepares to face the sectional crisis head-on.
James Buchanan wraps up his term as president and reflects upon his handling of the secession crisis.
The U.S. House of Representatives finally approves a compromise measure, but for many it seems too little too late.
Texas secedes from the Union, and the Federal military commander in the state controversially turns over all property to the Texans.
President James Buchanan signs a bill into law making “Bleeding Kansas” the 34th state of the Union.
An officer is assigned to protect Washington from secessionists, and a controversial letter from Winfield Scott becomes public.