Political Changes During The Presidency Of Millard Fillimore

Millard Fillmore became president in 1850 after the death of president Zachary Taylor, and his term lasted until the year 1853. America’s politics, economy, and social movements changed drastically during the presidency of Millard Fillmore. Political change occurred when the president signed the Compromise of 1850. When Japanese ports opened for American trade, not only did our economics change, but it also surprised the world. One prominent social movement which is still happening today, the woman’s rights movement, began during his presidency as well. Many laws were passed and politics changed during Millard Fillmore’s presidency, but the Compromise of 1850 was the most significant. Millard Fillmore passed the Compromise of 1850 in order to assist America gradually retract from slavery, but the compromise was indeed mutualistic for both the slave owners and those opposed to slavery. The compromise added California, Texas, and New Mexico as states, but in return slavery was not permitted in these new states. Slave trade was also abolished in the District of Columbia under this law, but on the contrary, the Fugitive Slave Act was passed under this compromise. This act placed federal officers with

Japan had only traded with the Chinese and Dutch for the past two centuries, but in 1853 Commodore Matthew Perry was able to convince Japan to sign a treaty after many months of negotiations. This treaty allowed American ships to trade within Japan at select ports. A significant aspect in this event is the cultural difference between the two civilizations after one had isolated itself for such a long period of time. According to Commodore Matthew Perry, “They thought the ships were "giant dragons puffing smoke." They did not know that steamboats existed and were shocked by the number and size of the guns on board the ships.”(Commodore