Franklin Pierce

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

President Pierce stated in his Inaugural Address that foreign relations and the acquisition of additional lands would be key elements of his administration. Pierce maintained a strong stand in foreign policy during his time as President. The war with Spain, acquisition of overseas land, and expanding trade in the East were some of the things Pierce did as President.

Foreign Events of Franklin Pierce

    The United States was looking to expand its markets and its trade. Commodore Perry made his famous visit to Japan and by a show of naval force, coerced the Japanese into opening Japan's trade markets to foreigners. His actions opened not only Japan, but the whole Far Eastern market to the United States. In a few years, the U.S. would be proposing the Open Door policy in China to the Europeans.

    The United States also attempted to expand into Cuba. Cuba has always been a territory the United States would like to acquire. Since it is a short distance from Florida, it was a potential military position for enemies, as demonstrated during the 1950s. Cuba was also a perfect territory to establish slavery, and the Ostend Manifesto, which "allowed" the United States to take Cuba by force, showed how far the South would go to expand.