John Breckinridge's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

John Breckinridge was an American politician and lawyer who served as the 14th Vice President of the United States from 1857 to 1861 under President James Buchanan. He was born on January 21, 1821, in Lexington, Kentucky, into a prominent political family. His grandfather, John Breckinridge, was a United States Senator and Attorney General under President Thomas Jefferson, and his father, Joseph Cabell Breckinridge, was a state legislator. These familial ties to political and legal circles likely influenced Breckinridge’s own career path in politics and law.

Breckinridge graduated from Centre College in 1838 and went on to study law at Transylvania University in Lexington. He was admitted to the bar in 1840 and established a successful law practice in Lexington. In 1843, he was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives, launching his political career. He served as a state representative until 1845 and then entered the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat, where he served from 1851 to 1855. His tenure in the House included a stint as the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, demonstrating his acumen for fiscal and economic matters.

In 1857, Breckinridge assumed the role of Vice President under President James Buchanan. His tenure as Vice President proved to be tumultuous and fraught with political challenges, most notably the growing tension between the northern and southern states over the issue of slavery. His position as a southern Democrat put him in a difficult position, as he sought to balance the interests of his party with the escalating conflict over the institution of slavery. Despite his efforts, the divide between northern and southern states ultimately led to the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, during the final months of his vice presidency.

After leaving office, Breckinridge returned to Kentucky and, despite his allegiance to the Confederacy during the Civil War, he sought to reconcile with the Union. In 1868, he was indicted for treason by the federal government but was later pardoned by President Andrew Johnson. He then moved to Canada and Europe to evade further persecution and eventually returned to Kentucky in 1869. Despite his controversial stance during the war, Breckinridge resumed his legal career and became an influential figure in Kentucky politics.

In 1884, Breckinridge was elected to the U.S. Senate, which marked a significant return to national politics. He served in the Senate until his death in 1875, actively participating in debates and legislation. Throughout his career, he remained a steadfast advocate for states’ rights and was known for his impassioned oratory skills. His political career was a testament to his commitment to his principles and his dedication to the betterment of his home state of Kentucky.

John Breckinridge's legacy is complex, shaped by his involvement in the Civil War and his enduring commitment to his political beliefs. His tenure as Vice President was marked by the challenges of a nation on the brink of a catastrophic conflict, and his subsequent efforts to reconcile with the Union reflect the complexities of his character. As a lawyer, politician, and statesman, Breckinridge played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the antebellum and post-Civil War era. His contributions to the Democratic Party and his unwavering dedication to the principles he held dear cement his place in American history as a compelling and enigmatic figure.