When the document is published in the U.S., the public reaction is negative and the proposal falls from view. The Know-Nothing Party holds its first meeting in Cincinnati. Battles will continue until 1856 and beyond. 1856 Democrat James Buchanan is elected President. John C. Breckenridge is Vice President.
Slavery is the main subject.
Brown is tried for conspiracy and then hanged. He defeats Breckenridge, Douglas, and Bell. Hannibal Hamlin is his vice-president. In his final message to Congress, President James Buchanan stresses that states have no legal right to secede, yet neither does the Federal Government have the basis to prevent such an action. 1860 South Carolina legislature convenes and votes to secede from the Union.