Franklin Pierce
Franklin Pierce
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Franklin Pierce was born on November 23, 1804, in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. He is commonly known as Franklin Pierce the 14th President of the United States.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: November 23, 1804
Died: October 8, 1869
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Franklin Pierce was an American politician who served as a Representative from New Hampshire, Senator from New Hampshire, and the 14th President of the United States.
Early Life and Background
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Pierce grew up in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy before moving on to Bowdoin College, where he graduated with honors in 1824. After completing his education, Pierce studied law at Northampton Law School. However, he never pursued a career as a lawyer.
Major Accomplishments
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Pierce's most significant achievement was becoming the 14th President of the United States in 1853. He served two terms from 1853 to 1857. During his presidency, Pierce signed the Gadsden Purchase, which added land to the southern part of New Mexico and western Texas. This purchase is still remembered today as a pivotal event in U.S. history.
Notable Works or Actions
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Pierce's notable works include:
The Kansas-Nebraska Act: In 1854, Pierce signed this legislation that allowed new states to decide for themselves whether slavery would be allowed within their borders.
Gadsden Purchase: As mentioned earlier, Pierce signed the Gadsden Purchase in 1853, adding land to the southern part of New Mexico and western Texas.
Impact and Legacy
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Franklin Pierce's impact on U.S. history is multifaceted. Some notable aspects include:
Polarization over Slavery: Pierce's signing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act further polarized the nation over slavery, contributing to the growing tension leading up to the Civil War.
The Gadsden Purchase: This purchase expanded U.S. territory and paved the way for future westward expansion.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Pierce is remembered for his presidency during a tumultuous time in American history, marked by growing tensions over slavery. He is quoted for his views on various topics, including:
The Role of Government: Pierce once said, "No one will ever bring any charge against me which I do not freely admit to be true."
Slavery and the Constitution: In a speech, he expressed, "I believe slavery is wrong, morally, socially, and politically."
Pierce's presidency was marked by controversy, but his quotes remain relevant today as a reflection of the complex issues that plagued America during his time in office.
Quotes by Franklin Pierce
The founders of the Republic dealt with things as they were presented to them, in a spirit of self sacrificing Patriotism and as time has proved, with a comprehensive wisdom which it will always be safe for us to consult.
It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation’s humble, acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence.
I find the remark, “Tis distance lends enchantment to the view” is no less true of the political than of the natural world.
It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation's humble, acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence.
I can express no better hope for my country than that the kind Providence which smiled upon our fathers may enable their children to preserve the blessings they have inherited.
I never justify, sustain, or in any way or to any extent uphold this cruel, heartless, aimless unnecessary war.
But let not the foundation of our hope rest upon man's wisdom. It will not be sufficient that sectional prejudices find no place in the public deliberations. It will not be sufficient that the rash counsels of human passion are rejected. It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation's humble, acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence.
While men inhabiting different parts of this vast continent cannot be expected to hold the same opinions, they can untie in a common objective and sustain common principles.
