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A leading American historian examines the crucial events of the year 1857 which moved the nation towards civil war. The year started with a popular new president, James Buchanan, whose long experience in government made him seem ideally suited to deal with the growing crises between North and South over slavery and state rights. But Buchanan proved to be not up to the task, principally because the Democratic Party that he headed became the increasing captive of the Southern states, at the time the North was becoming increasingly against the spread of slavery. The early months of the year were dominated by the Dred Scott Decision, which denied American blacks all legal rights. Stampp presents a memorable picture of America in mid-century, focusing on the growing regional struggle.