Introduction

Born into humble circumstances on the frontier, Millard Fillmore overcame the shortcomings of his early education to become a successful lawyer. Hard-working and handsome, Fillmore enjoyed a successful political career in the early days of the Whig party in New York, leading to his nomination for the vice presidency in 1848. Fillmore succeeded to the presidency after the death of Zachary Taylor in 1850, and while in that office made it his priority to help resolve the nation's struggle over slavery.