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Franklin Pierce Takes Office
The election of Pierce marked the demise of the Whig Party. He united the Democratic party and added voters from immigrant groups. The extension of slavery and states’ rights were the major issues during his presidency. MORE -
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Franklin Pierce Administration
The election of Pierce marked the demise of the Whig Party. He united the Democratic party and added voters from immigrant groups. The extension of slavery and states’ rights were the major issues during his presidency. MORE -
Gadsden Purchase (VUS.6b)
The final piece of the continental United States was added. Purchased from Mexico for $10 million, the strip of land was to be part of the planned transcontinental railroad. MORE -
Birth of Republican Party (VUS.6e)
Inspired by the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Republican Party was formed as a coalition. It included some leftover Whigs, Free-Soilers, and Know-Nothings. A common belief in each of these groups was a general dislike of slavery. Eventually, this odd collection of small parties would become one of America’s two dominant parties – continuing today. Read MORE! -
Kansas-Nebraska Act (VUS.6e)
Sponsored by Illinois Senator Stephen Douglas, it was devised as a way to organize the Kansas and Nebraska Territory. To gain Southern support for a railroad running through Chicago, Douglas proposed that these territories be open to popular sovereignty (allowing the people to vote). This modified the Missouri Compromise, but heated the debate on extending slavery. MORE -
“The Bleeding Senate” (VUS.6e)
Preston Smith Brooks (Democratic from South Carolina) attacked Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts in the Senate chambers, hitting him on the head with his cane. This was in retaliation for Sumner insulting Brooks for his pro-slavery stance. Sumner became a martyr for the abolitionists. Read MORE -
Bleeding Kansas (VUS.6e)
Northern abolitionists settled in the Kansas Territory to promote its admission as a free state, but pro-slavery poured across the border from Missouri to vote the issue under popular sovereignty. The tensions escalated, and abolitionist John Brown led violent attacks against the “border ruffians”. Some 200 casualties were recorded. Read MORE -
Pierce loses his party
Because of his support for the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and inability to maintain order during “Bleeding Kansas”, and his support of seeking to purchase Cuba from Spain (the “Ostend Manifesto”), Pierce had the same fate as Fillmore – he failed to be nominated for re-election!
