Millard Fillmore

Fillmore sought to preserve the Union by supporting the Compromise of 1850; his enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act and perceived concessions to Southern interests damaged his standing in the North and have long shaped his historical reputation.

At the same time, his administration advanced U.S. diplomacy and commerce—most notably by dispatching Commodore Matthew C. Perry toward Japan—and he was the last president elected from the Whig Party, later running in 1856 with the American (Know Nothing) Party.

Assumed the presidency after Zachary Taylor's death (July 9, 1850); Signed the Compromise of 1850, including the Fugitive Slave Act; Established territorial governments for New Mexico and Utah; Directed Commodore Matthew C. Perry's expedition that opened relations with Japan; Last president from the Whig Party; Ran for president in 1856 as the American Party (Know Nothing) candidate