Franklin Pierce

Profession: 14th US President

Nationality:

Political Party: Democratic
Political Titles: United States Senator from New Hampshire, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Hampshire's at-large district

Presidential Term: March 4, 1853 - March 4, 1857
Preceded By: Millard Fillmore
Succeeded By: James Buchanan

Biography: Pierce served as a Senator and Representative from New Hampshire prior to becoming the 14th President of the United States (1853–1857). Serving immediately prior to the Civil War, his inability to calm national tensions over slavery hastened the eventual outbreak of the conflict. Genial and well-spoken, he was a northern, pro-slavery Democrat who saw the abolitionist movement as a fundamental threat to the nation.

In foreign policy Pierce purchased land from Mexico and failed in his attempts to acquire Cuba from Spain. He also agreed trade deals with the UK and Japan.

While he desired to preserve the Union peacefully, his polarizing actions worsened the Bleeding Kansas confrontations and set the stage for Southern secession, leaving him widely regarded as one of the worst presidents in U.S. history.

Born: November 23, 1804
Birthplace: Hillsborough, New Hampshire, USA
Star Sign: Sagittarius

Died: October 8, 1869 (aged 64)
Cause of Death: Cirrhosis of the liver