(a continuation) #15. James Buchanan While elected by many out of hope he would be able to bring about the unity necessary to permanently prevent Southern secession, Buchanan himself gave up this prospect after his inability to convince the North of the South's constitutional rights nor properly warn the South of the consequences of secession. He made it clear that he would not seek a second term, and the country resigned as well, knowing that secession was well on its way.

Happy President's Day! In honor, we're going to continue our study of Presidential suckiness all week. (a continuation) #14. Franklin Pierce Because the nation of Cuba was so near the United States, Franklin Pierce decided that he should be allowed to take it from Spain, its current and distant owner. The Ostend Manifesto declared his desire to purchase Cuba for $120 million, and threatened that a refusal to sell would justify the United States in "wresting it from Spain." While some critics saw this simply as a ploy to add power to the Southern states, others were shocked at the total affront and disregard for international law.