Franklin Pierce

Franklin Pierce was born on November 23, 1804, in a log cabin in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. He was the fifth of eight children born to Benjamin Pierce, a Revolutionary War hero who later became governor of New Hampshire, and Anna Kendrick Pierce. Pierce's early years were influenced by his father's political and military involvement, setting the stage for his future career in public service.

On November 19, 1829, Franklin Pierce married Jane Means Appleton. Jane was the daughter of Jesse Appleton, a former president of Bowdoin College, and Elizabeth Means. The couple had three children, all of whom sadly did not survive to adulthood. Jane was a devoutly religious and shy woman who suffered from various illnesses throughout her life, which had a significant impact on Pierce's personal and political life.

On March 4, 1833, Franklin Pierce began his term as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Elected as a Democrat at the age of 28, he served in the 23rd Congress representing New Hampshire's at-large congressional district. During his term, Pierce aligned himself with Andrew Jackson's Democratic Party and was known for his public speaking and his opposition to the abolitionist movement. He served two terms in the House.

Franklin Pierce was appointed as a Brigadier General in the Mexican-American War on March 4, 1847. Despite having no previous military service, Pierce eagerly took on this role and fought bravely in battles such as Contreras and Churubusco. However, his military career was marred by his injury after a fall from his horse that rendered him temporarily incapacitated during the war. His service did earn him some fame, aiding his political career.

Franklin Pierce was inaugurated as the 14th President of the United States on March 4, 1853. As president, Pierce faced significant challenges related to the expansion of slavery in the territories, which increased sectional tensions. His presidency is often criticized for his support of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed for the expansion of slavery into new territories based on popular sovereignty. This decision had far-reaching consequences for the nation.

On May 30, 1854, President Franklin Pierce signed the Kansas-Nebraska Act into law, a controversial piece of legislation that repealed the Missouri Compromise, which had prohibited slavery in certain U.S. territories. The act allowed settlers in the Kansas and Nebraska territories to decide on the legality of slavery, creating a condition known as "popular sovereignty." This decision led to violent clashes known as "Bleeding Kansas," severely impacting Pierce's presidency.

While not directly involved, Franklin Pierce's presidency contributed to the circumstances that led to the founding of the Republican Party on February 28, 1856. The party was formed in response to the expansionist policies of his administration, especially in opposition to the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the spread of slavery it promoted. The Republican Party arose as a coalition of anti-slavery Whigs, Democrats, Free Soilers, and Know-Nothings, marking a major political realignment.

On July 3, 1863, Franklin Pierce gave a public speech criticizing the Union's efforts in the Civil War. He expressed his belief that the war was unnecessary and that the Union could be preserved peacefully. Pierce's stance was highly controversial, as it came amidst key victories for the Union at Gettysburg. His views reflected his belief in states' rights and his opposition to the war's impact on civil liberties, earning him scorn from many of his former allies.

Franklin Pierce died on October 8, 1869, in Concord, New Hampshire. He passed away from cirrhosis of the liver at age 64, after years of struggling with alcoholism. Despite the controversies surrounding his political career, particularly regarding his presidency, Pierce's contributions as a public servant remained notable. His death marked the end of a complex legacy that included his works both in peacetime and during his contentious term as president.