Franklin Pierce

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

Sectionalism exploded during Pierce's presidency. Pierce had hoped to smother the growing flames of sectionalism by avoiding the problems associated with slavery. However, events had progressed to far and as the emotions spiraled out of control, the nation approached the Civil War.

Domestic Events of Franklin Pierce

    The country was coming apart at the seams, and without a strong president to unite it, a break-up was eminent. With Stephen A. Douglas' support, the Kansas-Nebraska bill was passed through both houses of Congress, and it was signed by the president. The bill split the Nebraska and Kansas territory into two, and gave the voters of each one the right to determine their position on slavery.

    This was a noble attempt to settle the question democratically, however it was not successful. When the people of Kansas decided to join the United States, thousands of voters crossed state lines and made Kansas pro-slave. Others, however took umbrage with this weak attempt to expand slavery, and established their own government. The Lecompton Constitution was made by the pro-slave faction and sent to Congress. President Pierce recommended it, however James Buchanan disagreed and persuaded Congress to vote it down. This created a split in the Democratic party, and did not create a solution for Kansas.