Franklin Pierce was the 14th president of the United States, serving from 1853 to 1857. A northern Democrat, he was unpopular with abolitionists and southerners alike. Nevertheless, during his presidency he accomplished some significant things. Here are 5 of the top accomplishments of Franklin Pierce’s presidency:

Kansas-Nebraska Act

–Signed the Kansas-Nebraska Act: This act created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska and opened them up for settlement. It also allowed for popular sovereignty, which meant that settlers in those territories could decide whether or not to allow slavery.

Fugitive Slave Act
-Enforced the Fugitive Slave Act: This act required law enforcement officials in free states to help capture escaped slaves and return them to their owners.

Secretary of War
-Appointed Jefferson Davis as Secretary of War: Davis was a staunch supporter of slavery and states’ rights, and his appointment helped solidify Pierce’s support among southern Democrats.

Gadsden Purchase
-Negotiated the Gadsden Purchase: This purchase from Mexico added 30,000 square miles of land to the United States, including parts of what is now Arizona and New Mexico.

Omnibus Act
-Secured passage of the Omnibus Act: This act funded a number of internal improvements, such as roads and canals, that were intended to promote economic development. It was one of Pierce’s most significant accomplishments as president.