Early Life and Career

Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, was born on November 23, 1804, in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. He was more than a politician—he was also a lawyer and brigadier general during the Mexican-American War.

Politics at a Young Age

Following his father’s example, Pierce entered politics early. At just 24, he was elected to the New Hampshire legislature. By age 26, he became Speaker of the House in New Hampshire. Soon after, he was elected as a U.S. Representative and later a U.S. Senator.

A Tragic Start to the Presidency

In 1853, Franklin Pierce became the 14th President. Just two months before his inauguration, tragedy struck when his eleven-year-old son, Benny, was killed in a train accident. Pierce entered office deeply grieving his loss.

Presidency and Challenges

Pierce supported westward expansion and popular sovereignty in Kansas, allowing citizens to decide on slavery. This position angered abolitionists, who called him a "doughface"—a northerner who sympathized with the South. He also oversaw the Gadsden Purchase, adding land in present-day Arizona and New Mexico. However, his presidency is often remembered as one of the least effective, as he failed to reduce tensions leading to the Civil War. Pierce later criticized Abraham Lincoln, further losing northern support.

Political Cartoon Showing Franklin Pierce as pushing Slavery

Later Life and Death

Pierce battled alcoholism for much of his life. He died at age 64 in 1869 from cirrhosis of the liver.

Why is Pierce Considered one of the Worst Presidents?

Franklin Pierce is widely considered one of the worst U.S. presidents because his decisions deepened sectional conflict instead of easing it. He signed the Kansas–Nebraska Act (1854), effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise and allowing slavery to expand by “popular sovereignty,” helped enforce the Fugitive Slave Act, and sided with pro‑slavery interests during “Bleeding Kansas” (even replacing a territorial governor who challenged fraudulent elections). His administration also stumbled with the Ostend Manifesto, which suggested seizing Cuba if Spain refused to sell, alarming many in the North. Rather than calming the crisis, Pierce’s leadership emboldened extremism, fractured his party, and pushed the nation closer to civil war—overshadowing limited achievements like the Gadsden Purchase.

Most Famous Quote

"You have summoned me in my weakness. You must sustain me by your strength." – Franklin Pierce, Inaugural Address, 1853

Timeline of Franklin Pierce’s Life

• 1804 – Born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire
• 1824 – Elected to the New Hampshire legislature
• 1826 – Becomes Speaker of the New Hampshire legislature
• 1833 – Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives
• 1837 – Elected to the U.S. Senate
• 1847 – Serves as brigadier general in the Mexican-American War
• 1852 – Elected 14th President of the United States
• 1853 – Son Benny dies in train accident; Pierce inaugurated
• 1854 – Kansas-Nebraska Act sparks national conflict over slavery
• 1854 – Gadsden Purchase expands U.S. territory
• 1857 – Presidency ends; criticized for failure to prevent sectional tensions
• 1861 – Becomes outspoken critic of Abraham Lincoln
• 1869 – Dies from cirrhosis of the liver at age 64

Interesting Facts

• Franklin Pierce was the youngest president up to his time, elected at age 48.
• He memorized his entire inaugural address, which was over 3,000 words long.
• Pierce’s wife, Jane, disliked politics and avoided Washington society events.
• He was the only president to take an affirmation of office, not swear on a Bible.
• Pierce’s presidency is often ranked among the least successful in U.S. history.

Glossary

• Brigadier General – A senior military rank, typically commanding a brigade.
• Popular Sovereignty – The idea that residents of a territory should decide whether to allow slavery.
• Doughface – A term for a northern politician who supported southern policies before the Civil War.
• Gadsden Purchase – Land acquisition from Mexico in 1854, adding parts of Arizona and New Mexico.
• Cirrhosis – A serious liver disease often caused by long-term alcohol use.

Discussion Questions

1. How did the death of his son affect Franklin Pierce’s time as president?
2. Why did Pierce’s support of popular sovereignty anger abolitionists?
3. What was the importance of the Gadsden Purchase during Pierce’s presidency?
4. Do you think Pierce could have done more to prevent the Civil War? Why or why not?