From Zachary Taylor to James Buchanan

Overview: The presidencies of Zachary Taylor (12th), Millard Fillmore (13th), Franklin Pierce (14th), and James Buchanan (15th) were marked by weakness and ineffectiveness.
Compromises: Too many compromises were made to appease southern slave owners, exacerbating the issue of slavery.
Mistreatment of Immigrants: Immigrants frequently faced mistreatment and discrimination.
Impact on Native Americans: Native Americans in the West suffered due to "Manifest Destiny", the pursuit of gold, and the expansion of railroads.

Public Education: Public schools experienced improvements.
Higher Education: New colleges were established.
Temperance Movement: Churches advocated for temperance, urging people to abstain from alcohol.
Social Reform: A general push for social reform was evident.
Key Figures in Social Reform:
- Thomas Gallaudet: Notable for his work helping the deaf.
- Samuel Gridley Howe: Known for his contributions to helping the blind.
- Dorothea Dix: Famous for her work caring for the mentally ill.

Northern Anti-Slavery Movement: The anti-slavery movement in the North gained momentum.
Key Abolitionist Figures: Prominent figures included William Lloyd Garrison, John Greenleaf Whittier, Theodore Weld, and Frederick Douglass.
Emergence of the Republican Party: A new political party, the Republicans, formed.
Abraham Lincoln's Return to Politics: Abraham Lincoln, a seasoned politician, sought to re-enter the political arena.