Franklin Pierce

ModernPoliticianUnited States1804 — 1869

President whose policies deepened North-South divisions.

Compare Franklin Pierce with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1804

Died

1869

Country

United States

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)50

Political (20%)31

Influence (20%)49

Legacy (20%)42

Leadership (15%)66

Strategy (15%)42

Total Score46.2

Franklin Pierce — Complete Timeline

1852 AD

Elected President of the United StatesPolitical Action◆ Major

Pierce won the 1852 presidential election as a dark horse Democratic candidate, defeating Whig Winfield Scott. He carried all but four states, benefiting from the Whig Party's collapse.

PresidencyElectionDemocratic Party

Impact: national

1853 AD

Gadsden PurchasePolitical Action

Pierce authorized the Gadsden Purchase, acquiring 29,670 square miles from Mexico for $10 million. The land in present-day Arizona and New Mexico was intended for a southern transcontinental railroad route.

Territorial ExpansionGadsden PurchaseRailroad

Impact: regional

1854 AD

Signed the Kansas-Nebraska ActPolitical Action◆ Major

Pierce signed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which repealed the Missouri Compromise and allowed popular sovereignty on slavery in Kansas and Nebraska. This led to violent conflict in 'Bleeding Kansas'.

Kansas-Nebraska ActSlaveryBleeding Kansas

Impact: nationaldestructive

Ostend ManifestoPolitical Action

Pierce's administration supported the Ostend Manifesto, a secret document advocating U.S. acquisition of Cuba by force if Spain refused to sell. The leak caused a diplomatic scandal and damaged Pierce's reputation.

CubaImperialismScandal

Impact: nationaldestructive

1856 AD

Lost 1856 Democratic NominationPolitical Action◆ Major

Pierce sought the Democratic nomination for a second term but was defeated by James Buchanan. His support for the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the resulting violence made him unelectable.

ElectionDemocratic PartyKansas-Nebraska Act

Impact: nationaltragic