Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, served from March 4, 1853, to March 4, 1857. His presidency was marked by attempts to maintain national unity in the face of increasing sectional tensions over slavery and territorial expansion. This article provides an in-depth timeline of Pierce’s presidency, highlighting the key dates and events that defined his time in office.

Inauguration and Early Months: March 1853

• March 4, 1853: Franklin Pierce is inaugurated as the 14th President of the United States. In his inaugural address, Pierce emphasizes the importance of national unity and expresses his hope that the era of sectional strife is nearing its end.
• March 1853: Pierce appoints his cabinet, selecting Jefferson Davis as Secretary of War and William L. Marcy as Secretary of State. His choices reflect a desire to balance sectional interests, though his administration will lean towards Southern sympathies.

The Gadsden Purchase: December 1853

• December 30, 1853: The Gadsden Purchase is signed, acquiring 29,670 square miles of territory from Mexico for $10 million. This land, located in present-day southern Arizona and New Mexico, is intended to facilitate the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad. The purchase is ratified by the Senate in June 1854, bolstering Pierce’s vision of national expansion.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act: 1854

• January 23, 1854: Senator Stephen A. Douglas introduces the Kansas-Nebraska Act, a bill that aims to organize the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. The act proposes that the issue of slavery in these territories be decided by popular sovereignty, effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which prohibited slavery north of the 36°30′ parallel.
• May 30, 1854: Pierce signs the Kansas-Nebraska Act into law. The act ignites violent conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers in Kansas, a period known as “Bleeding Kansas.” Pierce’s support for the act alienates many Northern Democrats and deepens sectional divisions.

Foreign Policy and Expansion: 1854-1855

• August 1854: The Ostend Manifesto is drafted by American diplomats in Ostend, Belgium, proposing the acquisition of Cuba from Spain, by force if necessary. When the manifesto becomes public in October 1854, it provokes outrage in the North, where it is seen as an attempt to expand slavery. Pierce disavows the manifesto, but the incident damages his administration’s reputation.
• March 31, 1854: The Treaty of Kanagawa is signed with Japan, opening two Japanese ports to American trade and establishing a U.S. consulate in Japan. This marks a significant achievement in American foreign policy, expanding trade opportunities in Asia.

Domestic Strife and Political Challenges: 1855-1856

• 1855: Violence in Kansas escalates as pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers clash, leading to a series of violent encounters known as “Bleeding Kansas.” Pierce’s failure to effectively address the violence and maintain order further tarnishes his presidency.
• March 1855: The American Party, also known as the Know-Nothing Party, gains significant support in the North, capitalizing on anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic sentiments. The rise of this nativist party reflects growing discontent with Pierce’s administration and the Democratic Party.
• October 1855: Pierce faces increasing criticism from within his own party. Northern Democrats, alienated by his support for the Kansas-Nebraska Act, begin to distance themselves from his administration. Pierce’s Southern sympathies further exacerbate sectional tensions.

The Election of 1856 and the Decline of Pierce’s Influence

• June 1856: The Democratic National Convention nominates James Buchanan as the Democratic candidate for the presidency, bypassing Pierce for re-nomination. Buchanan’s selection reflects the party’s desire to distance itself from Pierce’s controversial presidency.
• November 1856: James Buchanan wins the presidential election, defeating Republican candidate John C. Frémont and former President Millard Fillmore, who runs as the Know-Nothing candidate. Pierce’s inability to secure re-nomination and Buchanan’s victory signify a decline in his political influence.

The Final Months in Office: Late 1856 – Early 1857

• December 1856: Pierce delivers his final State of the Union address, defending his administration’s policies and reiterating his commitment to national unity. He acknowledges the deepening sectional divide but expresses hope for a peaceful resolution.
• January 1857: Pierce’s administration continues to grapple with the violence in Kansas. His efforts to enforce federal authority and maintain order are largely ineffective, further undermining his presidency.

End of Presidency and Legacy: March 1857

• March 4, 1857: Franklin Pierce’s presidency officially ends as James Buchanan is inaugurated as the 15th President of the United States. Pierce leaves office with the nation more divided than when he took office, and his presidency is widely regarded as a failure in addressing the critical issues of the time.

Post-Presidency and Legacy

• 1857-1869: After leaving office, Pierce retires to his home in New Hampshire. He remains politically active, criticizing Abraham Lincoln’s administration during the Civil War and expressing support for the South. His pro-Southern views and opposition to the war further tarnish his legacy.

Legacy and Impact

Franklin Pierce’s presidency is marked by significant challenges and controversial decisions:

• Kansas-Nebraska Act: Pierce’s support for the act intensifies sectional conflict and leads to violent confrontations in Kansas. The act’s repeal of the Missouri Compromise further polarizes the nation.
• Bleeding Kansas: Pierce’s inability to manage the violence and maintain order in Kansas reflects his administration’s weaknesses and contributes to the perception of his presidency as ineffective.
• Foreign Policy: The Gadsden Purchase and the Treaty of Kanagawa represent notable achievements in expansion and trade, but the Ostend Manifesto damages Pierce’s reputation and credibility.
• Political Realignment: The rise of the Republican Party and the Know-Nothing Party during Pierce’s presidency highlights the growing discontent with the Democratic Party and the shifting political landscape.

Conclusion

Franklin Pierce’s presidency, though marked by efforts to maintain national unity and expand American influence, ultimately failed to address the critical issues of slavery and sectionalism. His support for the Kansas-Nebraska Act and his inability to manage the resulting conflict in Kansas left the nation more divided and set the stage for the tumultuous events leading up to the Civil War. Despite his intentions, Pierce’s presidency is often remembered for its controversies and shortcomings, reflecting the deep complexities and challenges of his time in office.