Franklin Pierce Quotes

A collection of quotes by Franklin Pierce.

Franklin Pierce (1804-1869) was the 14th President of the United States, serving from 1853 to 1857. He was born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire and was the son of a prominent Revolutionary War hero. Pierce graduated from Bowdoin College and earned his law degree, eventually practicing law and serving in the New Hampshire legislature.

In 1833, Pierce was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served until 1842. Known for his polished oratory skills, he gained recognition as a strong advocate for manifest destiny, supporting expansionist policies that aimed to extend American territories. Pierce was a prominent supporter of the Compromise of 1850, which aimed to maintain the balance of power between slave and free states.

Pierce was elected president in 1852 as a Democrat, defeating his Whig opponent. His presidency was marked by political controversies, such as the Bleeding Kansas conflict and the passage of the controversial Kansas-Nebraska Act. It further heightened sectional tensions over the issue of slavery.

After leaving office, Franklin Pierce retired to New Hampshire and largely stayed out of public life. He remained a conservative Democrat and openly condemned secession during the Civil War. Pierce's health declined, and he passed away in 1869 at the age of 64.

Please note that this is only a brief summary of Franklin Pierce's life and presidency.