People

John Brown was an ardent abolitionist whose raid on the federal arsenal in October 1859 intensified the sectional dispute over slavery in the United States and hastened the nation toward civil war.

Key facts about ardent abolitionist John Brown.

George Bryan was a merchant and politician from Pennsylvania. He participated in the Stamp Act Congress in 1765. He was also an early abolitionist and served as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Supreme Court Justice for Pennsylvania.

Fifteenth President of the United States James Buchanan was the nation's chief executive when the Union began to dissolve in December 1860, on the eve of the American Civil War.

Key facts about James Buchanan, fifteenth President of the United States.

A prominent Confederate commander during the American Civil War, General Simon B. Buckner also served one term as governor of Kentucky after the conflict.

APUSH Definition — Simon Bolivar Bucker (1823–1914) was an officer in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. He is most well-known for serving as the governor of Kentucky following the war.

Don Carlos Buell was a Union general during the American Civil War who directed the Department of the Ohio and commanded the Army of the Ohio in the Western Theater. Buell's army helped turn the tide to a Union victory at the Battle of Shiloh (April 6-7, 1862).

APUSH Definition — Don Carlos Buell (1818–1898) was an officer in the United States Army during the Civil War. He led Union armies in two of the most important battles of the war, Shiloh and Perryville.

John Buford (1826–1863) was a prominent cavalry officer in the United States Army, Buford is most well-known for choosing the ground upon which the Battle of Gettysburg was fought in July 1863. The decision gave the Union an advantage and eventually led to victory over Confederate forces.

Key facts about Union General John Buford.

John Burgoyne was a General in the British army during the American Revolutionary War. He is most well-known for leading a failed invasion of New England in 1777.

APUSH Definition — Ambrose Burnside (1824–1881) was an officer in the United States Army during the Civil War. He was often controversial and was eventually relieved of command after the Battle of the Crater in 1864. Burnside is most well-known for his trademark sideburns, which he originated.

Ambrose Everett Burnside was an American politician, industrialist, inventor, and one of four generals to command the Army of the Potomac during the American Civil War. He also served as commander of the Department of the Ohio, where he worked to eradicate opposition to the Union war effort by Peace Democrats and Copperheads.

Aaron Burr (1756–1836) was a U.S. Senator and Vice President of the United States under Thomas Jefferson. Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in an infamous duel in 1804. He was also tried and acquitted of treason against the United States for allegedly trying to establish a separate empire in the southwest.

A prominent Union officer, Major General Benjamin F. Butler also served as a United States Congressman and as Governor of Massachusetts after the American Civil War.

APUSH Definition — Benjamin Butler (1818–1893) was an officer in the United States Army during the Civil War. He was also a United States Congressman and Governor of Massachusetts.

General John Cadwalader commanded Pennsylvania troops during the American Revolutionary War. He participated in several key battles, won the trust of General George Washington, and participated in a duel with General Thomas Conway after Conway conspired to have Washington removed as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.

John C. Calhoun was a staunch defender of slavery, states' rights, and nullification. He served the nation as a Congressional Representative and Senator from South Carolina, U.S. Secretary of War and Secretary of State, and Vice President of the United States during the Antebellum Era.

Key facts about U.S. Senator, Secretary of State and Vice President John C. Calhoun.