Earlier American Civil War?

Few people know that the first shots of the ACW were not fired on Fort Sumter but rather a vessel, the Star of the West, trying to resupply it (January 9th 1861). Now in OTL the ship, carrying supplies and reinforcements, turned back after being hit twice by South Carolinan batteries.

But What if...

One of the shells from the South Carolinan batteries critically hit the Star of the West, perhaps in her boiler room. The explosion resulting from the ignition of the coal dust, touches off stored ammunition and powder thus sinking the ship with all hands (maybe a few survive).

Now the sinking of the Star of the West and the deaths of those onboard would undoubtedly serve as the catalyst for the American Civil War. James Buchanan would be forced both by the people and his new cabinet (now full of staunch Unionists) to forcibly bring South Carolina back into the Union in response to this incident. I can't really see him backing down from this one.

My guess is he calls for militia like Lincoln (though fewer due to only having to bring down SC). Said call results in the slave states seceding and the American Civil War starting a couple months ahead of schedule. How does this affect the war itself? Is Buchanan's reputation/legacy affected in any way?
 
Few people know that the first shots of the ACW were not fired on Fort Sumter but rather a vessel, the Star of the West, trying to resupply it (January 9th 1861). Now in OTL the ship, carrying supplies and reinforcements, turned back after being hit twice by South Carolinan batteries.

But What if...

One of the shells from the South Carolinan batteries critically hit the Star of the West, perhaps in her boiler room. The explosion resulting from the ignition of the coal dust, touches off stored ammunition and powder thus sinking the ship with all hands (maybe a few survive).

Now the sinking of the Star of the West and the deaths of those onboard would undoubtedly serve as the catalyst for the American Civil War. James Buchanan would be forced both by the people and his new cabinet (now full of staunch Unionists) to forcibly bring South Carolina back into the Union in response to this incident. I can't really see him backing down from this one.

My guess is he calls for militia like Lincoln (though fewer due to only having to bring down SC). Said call results in the slave states seceding and the American Civil War starting a couple months ahead of schedule. How does this affect the war itself? Is Buchanan's reputation/legacy affected in any way?

I fully opened this thread intending to bash you since there was another "Earlier Civil War" thread just two posts above this one. :p

Since this is something different, and something I've never considered, I'll comment. To be honest I don't see Buchanan raising the troops as quickly as Lincoln did. Not to mention this would've been before most of the South seceeded. Raising the troops earlier would only drive them into the Confederacy that much earlier.
 
Any chance that Buchanan might also push for the men who fired the battery to be extradited to D.C. in order to stand to trial, so he can diffuse the situation?
 
Any chance that Buchanan might also push for the men who fired the battery to be extradited to D.C. in order to stand to trial, so he can diffuse the situation?
This Might be Just The Compromise Necessary ...

As a Rather Notorious Doughface, Buchanan has Long been Considered One of The Worst Presidents in All of American History!

However, Even if he Fails to Halt The Secession in Any Way ...

Simply Trying will Grant him a MUCH Better Post-War Legacy!
 
First, Buchanan's legacy would not change significantly. After the Depression, Hoover did start some efforts to end the Depression, some of which had similarties to FDR's efforts. Didn't do anything for his legacy. Plus, Buchanan might not have started or fought to the extent that Lincoln did. But once Lincoln got in, he would have escalated it beyond what Buchanan had. The legacies would be about the same. Buchanan will be remembered as the man who presided over the split of the United States, while Lincoln will be remembered as the man who brought it back together. The Civil War will go pretty much the same as OTL, barring a few minor Butterflies, and slavery will still be abolished.
 
A few month earlier start, leads to a much quicker end.
Even by the [1st] Battle of Bull Run, The Confederates were still trying to Organize,
If the Fighting starts earlier [CS has to take some federal Forts that were abandoned to them OTL, etc.] Then They will have more difficulties getting organized.
 
Any chance that Buchanan might also push for the men who fired the battery to be extradited to D.C. in order to stand to trial, so he can diffuse the situation?

This could be a distinct possibility, however, it could very quickly turn ugly if South Carolina refuses to hand over said troops...

A few month earlier start, leads to a much quicker end.
Even by the [1st] Battle of Bull Run, The Confederates were still trying to Organize,
If the Fighting starts earlier [CS has to take some federal Forts that were abandoned to them OTL, etc.] Then They will have more difficulties getting organized.

Then again, the Union is going to be just as disorganized. Not to mention the fact that the Army will be (initally) mobilized under the Democrats only to have the Republicans take over and appoint their own generals.

Also keep in mind that expediated start to the Civil War might alter the political formation of the CSA. Perhaps, in emulation of the Continental Congress, the Confederate Congress puts off writing a constitution in favour of pursuing the war that is at hand. This leads to no Jefferson Davis and perhaps a more competent Confederate Government. Also given their slightly worse straights perhaps the CSA does not declare "Cotton is King" and instead buys desperately needed arms and munitions before the Union blockade can be set up.

As for Buchanan's legacy, what if, after serving as POTUS he returns as a Congressman in 1862 and becomes defacto leader of the Democrats. In 1864 he is approached by Lincoln to run as his VP under a "Unity" ticket. 1864 is a much more clear cut affair with Lincoln winning pretty much everything (maybe 1 dissenting elector) due to the Democrats not running anyone. 1865 sees Buchanan assassinated instead of Lincoln. Perhaps that improves his legacy?
 
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