Franklin Pierce, a Democrat from New Hampshire, was the 14th president of the United States, serving from 1853 to 1857. His presidency is often viewed as a failure, largely due to his inability to effectively address the growing sectional tensions over slavery that ultimately led to the Civil War. While Pierce sought to maintain national unity and uphold the Compromise of 1850, his policies ultimately exacerbated the conflict.
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Franklin Pierce: Early Life and Political Career
Born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, in 1804, Franklin Pierce enjoyed a relatively privileged upbringing. His father, Benjamin Pierce, was a Revolutionary War veteran and twice served as governor of New Hampshire. Following in his father’s footsteps, Pierce entered politics after graduating from Bowdoin College and practicing law. He served in the New Hampshire legislature and both houses of the U.S. Congress, even declining a cabinet position offered by President Polk. Pierce was a staunch supporter of states’ rights and popular sovereignty, the belief that the residents of a territory should decide for themselves whether to permit slavery.
The Election of 1852 and the Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Democratic Party nominated Pierce for president in 1852 as a compromise candidate, appealing to both Northern and Southern factions. He won a landslide victory over Whig candidate Winfield Scott. One of the most significant and controversial events of Pierce’s presidency was the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854. This act, championed by Senator Stephen Douglas, repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which had prohibited slavery in certain territories. The Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed for popular sovereignty in Kansas and Nebraska, leading to a violent struggle between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces known as “Bleeding Kansas.” This period of intense conflict further divided the nation and is considered a major precursor to the Civil War.
Pierce’s Presidency: A Legacy of Division
Pierce’s attempts to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act, which required the return of runaway slaves to their owners, further inflamed anti-slavery sentiment in the North. His administration also faced criticism for its foreign policy, particularly the failed attempt to acquire Cuba through the Ostend Manifesto. This document, drafted by American diplomats in Ostend, Belgium, suggested that the United States should purchase or seize Cuba from Spain. The manifesto was leaked to the public and condemned as an aggressive act of expansionism. While Pierce desired to expand American territory, this incident damaged his reputation and further strained relations with other countries.
The Gadsden Purchase: A Small Victory
One notable achievement during Pierce’s presidency was the Gadsden Purchase of 1853. This agreement with Mexico added a strip of land in present-day Arizona and New Mexico to the United States, facilitating the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad. However, even this acquisition was tainted by controversy, with allegations of bribery and corruption surrounding the negotiations. Who won the Civil War is a question often asked in relation to this tumultuous period leading up to the conflict. Understanding the political landscape and the failures of leaders like Pierce to quell the rising tide of sectionalism is crucial to comprehending the eventual outbreak of war. 
Map of the Gadsden Purchase
Franklin Pierce: Post-Presidency and Death
After leaving office, Pierce largely retreated from public life. He openly opposed Abraham Lincoln and the Union during the Civil War, further tarnishing his legacy. He died in 1869, largely remembered as a president who failed to prevent the nation’s descent into civil war. Knowing who’s on the 50 dollar bill, Ulysses S. Grant, a key figure in the Union victory, provides a stark contrast to Pierce’s legacy. Understanding who are the main people ivolved in the reconstruction following the Civil War further illuminates the long-lasting consequences of the conflict that Pierce failed to avert.
Conclusion: Franklin Pierce’s Place in History
Franklin Pierce’s presidency is a reminder of the devastating consequences of political inaction in the face of deep-seated societal divisions. His inability to address the issue of slavery effectively contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War, leaving a lasting stain on his legacy. While he possessed some political experience and personal charm, Pierce ultimately lacked the leadership skills necessary to navigate the turbulent times in which he served. He remains a largely forgotten figure in American history, remembered primarily for his failures rather than his accomplishments.
FAQ
Was Franklin Pierce a good president? Most historians rank Pierce among the least successful presidents due to his handling of the slavery issue and his role in escalating sectional tensions.
What was the Kansas-Nebraska Act? The Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed for popular sovereignty in the territories of Kansas and Nebraska, effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise and reigniting the debate over slavery.
What was Bleeding Kansas? “Bleeding Kansas” refers to the period of violent conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces in Kansas Territory following the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act.
What was the Gadsden Purchase? The Gadsden Purchase was the acquisition of a strip of land from Mexico in 1853, finalized under President Pierce, which facilitated the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad.
Why was the Ostend Manifesto controversial? The Ostend Manifesto suggested that the U.S. should acquire Cuba from Spain, even by force if necessary, sparking outrage and accusations of imperialism.
Ostend Manifesto DocumentWhat happened to Franklin Pierce after his presidency? Pierce retired from public life and openly opposed the Union during the Civil War.
When did Franklin Pierce die? Franklin Pierce died in 1869.
