Franklin Pierce

Franklin Pierce was the 14th President of the United States, serving from 1853 to 1857. A member of the Democratic Party, he aimed to promote national unity but faced significant challenges, particularly regarding the issue of slavery. His presidency is often criticized for hastening the division between North and South, especially through actions like the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed territories to decide on slavery. Pierce’s inability to effectively address these tensions contributed to the rise of sectional conflict leading up to the Civil War. After his presidency, he largely faded from political life until his death in 1869.