US Presidents · 19th century

Franklin Pierce

1804–1869 · American

Democratic

In office: 1853–1857

Franklin Pierce of New Hampshire, the 14th president, was a compromise "dark horse" Democratic nominee in 1852. His presidency is remembered chiefly for the Kansas–Nebraska Act, which reopened the slavery question and led to violence in "Bleeding Kansas", and for the Gadsden Purchase from Mexico. His party refused to renominate him in 1856.

How to spot them

▸The only president from New Hampshire
▸Kansas–Nebraska Act (1854) and 'Bleeding Kansas'
▸College friend of Nathaniel Hawthorne, who wrote his campaign biography
▸His son Benjamin was killed in a train accident shortly before his inauguration

In office

The Kansas–Nebraska Act (1854)

Let settlers decide on slavery by popular sovereignty, effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise line

The Gadsden Purchase (1853–1854)

Bought land in southern Arizona and New Mexico from Mexico, largely for a southern railroad route

The Ostend Manifesto (1854)

Leaked memorandum by US diplomats urging the acquisition of Cuba from Spain, by force if necessary

'Bleeding Kansas' (1854–1859)

Violent struggle between pro- and anti-slavery settlers in Kansas Territory

Quick-fire facts

•Born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire; attended Bowdoin College with Hawthorne and Longfellow
•Nominated on the 49th ballot at the 1852 Democratic convention
•Affirmed rather than swore the oath of office, and delivered his inaugural address without notes
•The only president to keep the same cabinet for his entire term; Jefferson Davis was his Secretary of War
•The only elected president who sought renomination and was denied it by his party (1856)

Drill it — 5 cards

1 / 5new card

Sources

Miller Center, University of Virginia — Franklin Pierce