United States presidential election of 1856

Background. The election was waged among three political parties. The Democratic Party was wounded from losses in the 1854–1855 midterms. The Republican Party, formed in 1854 to oppose the Kansas-Nebraska Act, nominated Frémont. The American Party, known as Know Nothings, absorbed former Whigs and established itself as the chief opposition to Democrats, though it faced internal divisions over slavery.

Campaigns. Buchanan led on the first ballot at the Democratic convention, supported by powerful senators. The platform reflected his views, including support for the Fugitive Slave Act. Fillmore, despite his party's anti-immigration roots, focused on preserving the Union. Frémont, an explorer and military officer, became the first Republican candidate, united in opposition to the Pierce administration and slavery's spread.

Results. Buchanan defeated Fillmore and Frémont to become the 15th President. The popular vote went to Buchanan with 1,836,072 votes, compared to 1,342,345 for Frémont. This was the last election where a former president ran on a third-party ticket until 1912. The Know Nothings soon collapsed as a national party, with anti-slavery members joining the Republicans.