Buchanan's Truce Temporarily Maintains Status Quo
- December 10th, 1860: Buchanan agreed with South Carolina that forts in the Charleston harbor would not be reinforced
- At this time, it was still in both side’s interests to avoid war for the time being
- In exchange, Union Major Robert Anderson and his small garrison would not be attacked by South Carolina
- Note that it was Buchanan who made the truce and not the entire administration
- Alone, Buchanan had no authority to make such a promise
- For South Carolina, the truce was a gentlemen’s word by Buchanan
- For the President, it was simply an understanding to maintain the status quo