President Franklin Pierce

Easton Press Franklin Pierce books

Franklin Pierce: Young Hickory of the Granite Hills - Roy Franklin Nichols - 1988

 

President Franklin Pierce biography

President Franklin Pierce, often overshadowed by his more illustrious predecessors and successors, nevertheless played a significant role in shaping American history during a tumultuous period. In this biography, we explore the life and legacy of the 14th President of the United States, Franklin Pierce. Born on November 23, 1804, in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, Franklin Pierce hailed from a distinguished political family with deep roots in New England. From an early age, he demonstrated intellectual promise and a fervent interest in public affairs, foreshadowing his future career in politics. Pierce's journey into the political arena began with his election to the New Hampshire legislature, where he quickly gained recognition for his eloquence and advocacy for Democratic principles. His rise to prominence within the Democratic Party culminated in his election to the U.S. House of Representatives and later the Senate, where he staunchly supported states' rights and the expansion of slavery, aligning himself with the Southern wing of the party.

In 1852, Franklin Pierce secured the Democratic nomination for President, capitalizing on his appeal as a compromise candidate capable of uniting a fractured party and country. His landslide victory in the general election propelled him to the highest office in the land, inaugurating him as President on March 4, 1853. Pierce's presidency unfolded against the backdrop of escalating tensions over slavery and the question of its extension into new territories. Despite his initial hopes of fostering national harmony, Pierce's tenure was marred by divisive issues such as the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which reignited the flames of sectional strife and set the stage for the Civil War. Throughout his presidency, Pierce grappled with the moral and political complexities of slavery, striving to uphold the principles of the Constitution while seeking to preserve the Union. However, his efforts to appease both Northern and Southern interests ultimately proved futile, exacerbating rather than ameliorating the nation's divisions.

Despite his earnest intentions, Franklin Pierce's presidency remains controversial and largely overshadowed by the calamities that followed. Critics have faulted him for his perceived indecisiveness and his administration's failures to address the root causes of the nation's woes. Nevertheless, Pierce's commitment to his principles and his unwavering belief in the democratic process merit acknowledgment.

After leaving office in 1857, Franklin Pierce retreated from the public eye, devoting his remaining years to private life and reflection. He passed away on October 8, 1869, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be debated by historians and scholars. In this biography, we have sought to provide a balanced and nuanced portrait of Franklin Pierce, a man who grappled with the complexities of his time and whose presidency, while fraught with challenges and controversies, remains an integral chapter in the ongoing saga of American democracy.

Young Hickory of the Granite Hills

Franklin Pierce by Roy Franklin Nichols offers a captivating exploration into the life and times of one of America's lesser-known presidents. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Nichols paints a vivid portrait of Franklin Pierce, shedding light on the formative experiences that shaped his character and the challenges he faced as a leader. Born on November 23, 1804, in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, Franklin Pierce emerged from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure in American politics. Nichols delves into Pierce's upbringing in the rugged terrain of the Granite State, where he developed a deep reverence for his native land and a steadfast commitment to the principles of democracy.

From an early age, Pierce exhibited a keen intellect and a passion for public service, traits that would define his career in politics. Nichols chronicles Pierce's journey from his days as a student at Bowdoin College to his entry into the legal profession, where he distinguished himself as a skilled attorney and a persuasive orator. Pierce's political ascent is a central focus of Nichols' biography, tracing his rise through the ranks of the Democratic Party to ultimately assume the presidency in 1853. Dubbed the "Young Hickory of the Granite Hills," Pierce's presidency was marked by his efforts to bridge the growing divide between North and South, even as the nation hurtled towards the brink of civil war.

Nichols provides invaluable insights into Pierce's presidency, exploring his handling of key issues such as the Compromise of 1850 and the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which inflamed tensions over the expansion of slavery. Despite his earnest attempts at conciliation, Pierce's presidency was marred by controversy and criticism, as he grappled with the profound challenges of his time. Through Nichols' meticulous research and engaging narrative, readers gain a deeper understanding of Pierce's personal struggles and political dilemmas. From his complex relationship with slavery to his efforts to navigate the treacherous waters of antebellum politics, Pierce emerges as a figure of both tragedy and resilience.

Franklin Pierce: Young Hickory of the Granite Hills stands as a testament to Roy Franklin Nichols' scholarship and storytelling prowess, offering readers a compelling biography of a president whose legacy continues to be debated and reevaluated. In illuminating Pierce's life and times, Nichols invites us to reconsider the complexities of leadership and the enduring lessons of American history.

Franklin Pierce quotes

"You have summoned me in my weakness. You must sustain me by your strength."

"The storm of frenzy and faction must inevitably dash itself in vain against the unshaken rock of the Constitution."

"The dangers of a concentration of all power in the general government of a confederacy so vast as ours are too obvious to be disregarded."

"Frequently the more trifling the subject, the more animated and protracted the discussion."

"While men inhabiting different parts of this vast continent cannot be expected to hold the same opinions, they can unite in a common objective and sustain common principles."

"With the Union my best and dearest earthly hopes are entwined."

"The dangers of a concentration of all power in the general government of a confederacy so vast as ours are too obvious to be disregarded."