1851 State of the Union Address

Speech by US President Millard Fillmore February 2026 November 2024 February 2025 1851 State of the Union Address 1851 12 02 House Chamber, United States Capitol Washington, D.C. 38 53 23 N 77 00 32 W region:US-DC_type inline,title State of the Union Address Millard FillmoreWilliam R. KingLinn Boyd Format Written Previous 1850 State of the Union Address Next 1852 State of the Union Address The 1851 State of the Union address was delivered by the 13th president of the United States Millard Fillmore to the United States Congress on December 2, 1851. This address, Fillmore's second annual message to Congress, focused on maintaining neutrality in foreign conflicts, enforcing laws regarding fugitive slaves, and preserving the Union.Millard Fillmore - State of the Union Address, 1851 https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/second-annual-message-7 The American Presidency Project 7 November 2024 Themes Fillmore opened with a message of national unity and peace, emphasizing that "our country is at peace with all the world," despite recent unrest over sectional issues. He condemned foreign invasions and expeditions organized in the U.S., particularly those targeting Spanish-controlled Cuba. Fillmore reaffirmed that such acts violated U.S. neutrality and the principles of nonintervention, declaring, "No individuals have a right to hazard the peace of the country...to alter governments in other states." He warned that future violations of neutrality would be met with "stern punishment." Domestically, Fillmore addressed the controversial Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, affirming his commitment to its enforcement, stating, "The act...is as binding as any other" under the Constitution. He condemned mob resistance to fugitive slave arrests, asserting that "the law must be executed," despite growing Northern opposition. Fillmore reminded Congress that the Constitution demanded compliance from all states. Fillmore also noted progress in infrastructure and territorial development, mentioning efforts to improve the nation's postal system and the construction of a trans-isthmus railroad in Central America. He appealed to Congress to establish consistent agricultural support, including a bureau focused on farming advancements, reflecting his administration's support for agrarian and economic growth. The 1851 address highlighted Fillmore's dedication to upholding laws, promoting internal improvements, and maintaining peace, both domestically and internationally. References 1850 State of the Union Address 1852 State of the Union Address State of the Union addresses 1 1850 Category:Speeches by Millard Fillmore Category:32nd United States Congress Category:1851 in American politics Category:1851 in Washington, D.C. Category:1850s State of the Union addresses Category:December 1851