Franklin Pierce

Birth-Death: (1804 - 1869 ) Term: (1853-1857 )

Free sovereignty was a noble attempt by Franklin Perce to settle the slavery dispute democratically. The Kansas Nebraska bill, sponsored by Stephen Douglas, gave the people the choice of slavery vs. free slaves. However, this was not successful as border ruffians crossed from adjacent Missouri to vote pro-slave. The bill failed, and sent the country further towards war.

Chronology of Franklin Pierce

1852 - The Gadsden Purchase is signed

1853 - Japan Opened for World Trade

1854 - Kansas Nebraska Bill

1854 - Ostend Manifesto

1854-1856 - Republican Party is organized