The 14th president of the United States, Franklin Pierce, may not be a household name, but his place in history is nonetheless important. Serving from 1853 to 1857, Pierce faced numerous challenges during his presidency, including tensions surrounding the issue of slavery and the growing divide between North and South. Despite these challenges, Pierce remained committed to his vision for the country and was praised for his efforts to expand the nation’s borders.
While Pierce’s presidency may not be as well-known as some of his predecessors, his legacy continues to influence American politics to this day. As one of the few presidents from New Hampshire, Pierce was fiercely dedicated to the growth and prosperity of his home state and the entire nation. His strong leadership and unwavering commitment to his values set an example for future presidents and served as a reminder of the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
As we explore the life and achievements of the 14th president, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that faced the United States during one of its most transformative periods. From his role in shaping American foreign policy to his efforts to navigate the thorny issue of slavery, Pierce’s presidency remains an important chapter in our nation’s history. So join me as we dive into the life and times of Franklin Pierce, a man whose dedication to his vision helped shape America for generations to come.
Early life
Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, was born on November 23, 1804, in a log cabin in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. His father, Benjamin Pierce, was a respected Revolutionary War hero and a two-term Governor of New Hampshire. Pierce’s mother, Anna Kendrick Pierce, was the daughter of a judge and was known for her strong religious beliefs.
Pierce attended Bowdoin College in Maine, where he graduated fifth in his class in 1824. He was an excellent student and widely respected by his professors. Pierce studied law with the famous lawyer and politician Levi Woodbury, who would later become a Supreme Court Justice. Pierce was admitted to the New Hampshire bar in 1827 and went on to practice law in Hillsborough.
Despite his early success, Pierce was plagued by personal tragedy. In 1834, he married Jane Appleton, the daughter of a Congregational minister. The couple had three sons, but all of them died in childhood. The loss of his children was devastating to Pierce and had a profound effect on his life and career.
Career Before Presidency
Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, had a long and distinguished career before he was elected to the Oval Office in 1853. Here, we take a closer look at some of the key events and accomplishments that shaped his life.
- Pierce graduated from Bowdoin College in 1824, where he forged close ties with several other future politicians, including future Secretary of State William L. Marcy.
- After college, Pierce turned to the law, working as a clerk in a law firm before setting up his own practice in Hillsborough, New Hampshire.
- In 1833, he was elected to the New Hampshire legislature, beginning a long career in politics that would eventually lead him to the White House.
As a politician, Pierce championed a variety of causes, including states’ rights, westward expansion, and the annexation of Texas. He served as a U.S. Congressman from New Hampshire from 1833-1837, before moving on to serve in the U.S. Senate. Pierce also served as a colonel in the Mexican-American War, leading a brigade that earned widespread praise for its actions in the Battle of Contreras and the Battle of Churubusco.
Despite his impressive resume, Pierce was not initially considered a serious contender for the presidency, and he struggled to win over members of his own party. However, the Democratic National Convention ultimately selected him as their nominee, in part because he was seen as a compromise candidate who could bridge the gap between the party’s different factions.
| Before Presidency: | Political Offices Held: | Other Key Experience: |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney | U.S. Congressman from New Hampshire | Mexican-American War veteran |
| New Hampshire state legislator | U.S. Senator from New Hampshire | Democratic Party activist |
| Bowdoin College graduate |
Overall, Pierce’s career before presidency was marked by a fierce commitment to his beliefs, a strong record of public service, and a willingness to take risks for the causes he believed in. These qualities would serve him well as he navigated the challenges of leading the country during a tumultuous period in American history.
Election and Inauguration
It was on November 2, 1852, when the United States held its Presidential Election, which featured three major candidates from different political parties. The Whigs, who were one of the two significant parties, nominated Winfield Scott, the Democratic Party nominated Franklin Pierce, and the Free Soil Party nominated John P. Hale.
Despite running a strong campaign, Winfield Scott lost in a landslide victory to Franklin Pierce. Pierce won with 254 electoral votes compared to Scott’s 42 electoral votes. Pierce’s victory was also the second-largest margin of victory in the United States Presidential Election at the time.
Election and Inauguration
- Franklin Pierce’s presidential inauguration took place on March 4, 1853.
- He was sworn in by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney.
- Pierce is known for being the only president to affirm his oath of office rather than swear it.
Election and Inauguration
Franklin Pierce’s inauguration had many notable attendees, including:
- Former Presidents Millard Fillmore and Franklin Pierce
- Stephen A. Douglas, who would become a significant figure in the slavery debates in the years leading up to the Civil War
- Washington Irving, the famous American author who had served as U.S. ambassador to Spain.
- Many more notable figures from the time.
Election and Inauguration
Here is a table capturing some key details about Franklin Pierce’s election and inauguration:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Presidential Election | November 2, 1852 |
| Franklin Pierce’s Inauguration | March 4, 1853 |
| Electoral Votes Won by Pierce | 254 |
| Electoral Votes Won by Scott | 42 |
Overall, Franklin Pierce’s election and inauguration had significant political implications and would set the stage for his presidency, which has been subject to much debate and analysis since its conclusion.
Domestic policies
Franklin Pierce, the 14th president of the United States, had a mixed record when it came to domestic policies. He inherited an economy that was already in the midst of a recession, and made some attempts to address the issue, but ultimately was unsuccessful in turning things around.
Policies Attempted by Franklin Pierce
- Pierce signed the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, which allowed for the territories to decide whether they would allow slavery or not. This led to violent conflicts between pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups, further dividing the nation.
- He pushed for the Gadsden Purchase, which brought a large amount of territory from Mexico into the United States, but did little to address the economic struggles at home.
- Pierce attempted to establish a transcontinental railroad, but was unable to secure the necessary funding from Congress to make it a reality.
The Fugitive Slave Act
One of the most controversial pieces of legislation passed during Pierce’s presidency was the Fugitive Slave Act, which mandated that all citizens assist in the capture of runaway slaves. This greatly angered abolitionists in the North and contributed to the already tense divide between the North and South.
The Economy under Pierce
Pierce’s economic policies were largely ineffective in relieving the recession that was occurring during his presidency. He repeatedly vetoed bills that would have provided economic relief, which further damaged his relationship with Congress. By the end of his term, the nation was still struggling with high unemployment rates and economic instability.
Conclusion
Overall, Franklin Pierce’s domestic policies were controversial and largely ineffective. His signing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act and his support of the Fugitive Slave Act further divided the nation, while his attempts to address the economic struggles of the time were largely unsuccessful.
| Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| Kansas-Nebraska Act | Allowed territories to decide on slavery, leading to violent conflicts. |
| Gadsden Purchase | Brought territory from Mexico into the US, but did little for the economy. |
| Transcontinental Railroad | Pierce attempted to establish it, but was unable to secure funding. |
| Fugitive Slave Act | Mandated citizens assist in capturing runaway slaves, further dividing the nation. |
The economy was largely ignored and remained unstable under Pierce’s presidency.
Foreign policies
Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, served from 1853 to 1857. During his presidency, Pierce faced a slew of complex foreign policy matters, including tensions with Great Britain, Spain, and Mexico. Here’s a deeper look at Pierce’s foreign policies:
- Great Britain: Pierce’s tenure saw tensions with Great Britain over British activities in Central America and the Crimean War in Europe. Pierce, who sought to maintain cordial relations with Great Britain, aimed to resolve these conflicts through diplomacy and peaceful means.
- Spain: At the start of Pierce’s presidency, Spain controlled Cuba, a location of immense strategic importance due to its location near the United States. Pierce pushed for the acquisition of Cuba, but his efforts were met with opposition in Congress. Later, Pierce deployed Naval forces to the island after reports that Spain was surrendering it to the French, but the crisis was later resolved diplomatically.
- Mexico: During Pierce’s presidency, the United States was in the midst of the Mexican-American War. Despite his opposition to the war, Pierce supported the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that ended the conflict and secured for the United States the territories of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, and parts of Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Pierce sought to improve relations with Mexico post-war and sent a diplomatic mission there, but his efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
- Japan: Pierce played a significant role in opening Japan’s ports to American ships and trade. Pierce sent a squadron of Naval vessels under the command of Commodore Matthew C. Perry that arrived in Tokyo Bay in 1853. After a display of firepower, they negotiated the Kanagawa Treaty, which allowed American ships to refuel in Japan and established a treaty of amity between the two countries.
Pierce’s foreign policies were marked by his belief in expanding American influence through diplomacy, commerce, and military strength. His emphasis on improving relations with Japan and securing territories for the United States through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo had far-reaching effects on American foreign policy that lasted well into the twentieth century.
Post-Presidential Life
Franklin Pierce’s presidency is regarded as one of the most forgettable in American history. Consequently, his post-presidential life was mostly uneventful, and Pierce struggled with feelings of failure and inadequacy for the rest of his days.
- After leaving office in 1857, Pierce returned to his home state of New Hampshire and resumed his law practice.
- He was largely unsuccessful in his attempts to reconcile the divisions within the Democratic Party and regain political relevance.
- Pierce spent the remainder of his life in obscurity, save for a brief stint as a vocal supporter of the Confederacy during the Civil War.
Pierce died on October 8, 1869, at the age of 64. His legacy is considered by many to be one of failure and ineffectiveness, and he remains one of the most unpopular presidents in American history.
| Post-Presidential Life of Franklin Pierce | |
|---|---|
| 1857 | Returned to New Hampshire and resumed law practice |
| 1860 | Supported the Southern Democratic Party’s bid for presidency |
| 1861-1865 | Publicly supported the Confederacy during the Civil War |
| 1869 | Died at age 64 |
Overall, Franklin Pierce’s post-presidential life reflects the disappointment of his presidency and the challenges of navigating the political landscape in the wake of such a tumultuous time in American history.
Legacy and Impact
The 14th president of the United States, Franklin Pierce, had a complex legacy and impact on American society. During his presidency, Pierce faced a plethora of challenges, from the ongoing battle over slavery to conflicts with foreign nations. Despite his controversial decisions, Pierce left a mark on the country that still resonates today.
- Expansion of American territory: One of Pierce’s most significant accomplishments was his role in the acquisition of new territories for the United States. His administration supported the Gadsden Purchase, which added land in the southwestern United States and helped to complete the continental borders of the country.
- Stance on slavery: Pierce’s position on slavery was highly controversial. He supported the Fugitive Slave Act, which required the return of escaped slaves to their owners and inflamed tensions between northern and southern states. His support of this act only made things worse and brought the nation one step closer to civil war.
- Foreign policy: Pierce’s foreign policy decisions were also a major part of his legacy. He faced challenges from countries like Spain and Great Britain, and he managed to resolve these disputes through diplomatic means. However, his administration’s approach to foreign relations was often criticized, and Pierce’s reputation as a leader suffered as a result.
Despite these accomplishments, Pierce’s presidency is often overshadowed by his controversial decisions and actions. He is often ranked as one of the worst presidents in American history, in part due to his support of pro-slavery policies. Pierce is seen as a symbol of the divisions that existed in the country during the mid-19th century and of the challenges that the American government faced prior to the Civil War.
Overall, Franklin Pierce’s impact on American society was complex and multifaceted. While his administration accomplished much in terms of territorial expansion and foreign relations, his support of slavery and controversial policies prevented him from being remembered as a truly great leader.
References
| Author | Title | Publication | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Potter | The Impending Crisis: America Before the Civil War | Harper Perennial Modern Classics | 2011 |
| Michael F. Holt | The Rise and Fall of the American Whig Party: Jacksonian Politics and the Onset of the Civil War | Oxford University Press | 1999 |
| Nathaniel Hawthorne | The Life of Franklin Pierce | Ticknor, Reed and Fields | 1852 |
These sources provide an in-depth look at the life and legacy of Franklin Pierce, offering insights into his presidency and the impact that he had on American society. Through the lens of history, we can better understand the challenges that he faced and the decisions that shaped his legacy.
FAQs about the 14th President
1. Who was the 14th President of the United States?
The 14th President of the United States was Franklin Pierce.
2. When was the 14th President in office?
Franklin Pierce was the President from 1853-1857.
3. What political party did the 14th President belong to?
Franklin Pierce was a Democrat.
4. What were some significant events that occurred during the 14th President’s term?
During Pierce’s presidency, the Gadsden Purchase from Mexico was made, and the Ostend Manifesto was issued, which aimed to acquire Cuba from Spain.
5. How old was the 14th President when he took office?
Franklin Pierce was 48 years old when he became President.
6. What was the 14th President’s occupation before he became President?
Before becoming President, Franklin Pierce was a lawyer.
7. What was the 14th President’s legacy?
Pierce’s legacy is often overshadowed by the events leading up to the Civil War, but he was a proponent of Manifest Destiny and worked to expand American territory.
Thanks for Learning About the 14th President!
Thank you for taking the time to read about Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States. We hope you enjoyed learning about his life and legacy. Be sure to check back for more interesting and informative articles!