Manifest Destiny & American Expansion
How did John Quincy Adams's view on expansionism differ from that of most expansionists?
Adams was focused on expanding towards the entire continent, while most expansionists were focused on occupying the lands void of European settlers. Adams went beyond the idea of mere expansion; his goal was called continentalism because he intended that the United States would not just occupy the lands void of European settlers but encompass all of North America.
Why did the Democrats nominate James Polk instead of Martin Van Buren in 1844?
Because Polk was the dark horse candidate that might beat Clay. The American people were interested in Texas, and in a final show of strength, President Tyler organized a third party, drawing enough attention to the issue to force the Democrats to nominate James Polk instead of Van Buren.
Why was Stephen Douglas relevant to the legacy of Henry Clay in the 1850 Compromise?
Because he championed the act when Clay and other old leaders could not attend. A new, young leader, named Stephen Douglas, championed their cause when the elder Senators were too ill to attend.
Why was John Tyler called 'His Accidency'?
Because he filled two federal offices after the incumbent died. Ironically, John Tyler became America's tenth president in 1841 under the same circumstances as his first federal office, prompting his opponents to secretly call him 'His Accidency.'
Why was Franklin Pierce selected as the Democratic nominee who eventually won the 1852 presidential election?
Because he was a northern man with southern sympathies and he was a brigadier general in the Mexican-American War.
Why did many northerners protest against the Fugitive Slave Act?
Because it required them to help catch runaways. Northerners who had stayed silent before now voiced their opposition because the federal law required their assistance in retrieving runaways.
Why did President Polk send troops onto the Texas/Mexico border?
Because the border was in dispute and Mexico wouldn't sell it. Mexico had never even recognized Texas independence and threatened war if the U.S. annexed Texas. By the time Polk was inaugurated, diplomatic relations with Mexico had been severed.
Why was California statehood controversial?
Because there was no slave state to add as a pair with it to preserve the balance. The gold rush meant California was ready for statehood almost immediately, and no one wanted to lose control of the Senate to the other side.
How do the views of William Walker on expansionism compare to those of John O'Sullivan?
Both of them believed in expansionism, but O'Sullivan originally came up with the concept of Manifest Destiny, while Walker used force to try and implement it. Unauthorized soldiers known as filibusters or freebooters carried out private military expeditions to secure land. The infamous William Walker attempted to colonize parts of Mexico and Nicaragua.
How and why did Henry Clay impact the political career of John Tyler?
By having him thrown out of the Whig Party, because of vetoing a banking bill so that Clay would have a better chance at the next election. Henry Clay, the leader of his own party, presented Tyler with a number of banking bills, knowing he would veto them. It was an attempt to discredit Tyler in the next election, which Clay hoped to win.
Which of these was NOT a cause for the Democratic Party to split ahead of the 1848 presidential election?
Democrats Cass and Van Buren could not agree on provisions specific to California's advancement into statehood. The Democrats nominated Michigan Senator Lewis Cass, who had endorsed popular sovereignty for the Mexican cession. Frustrated over his pro-slavery leanings, prominent anti-slavery Democrats stomped out of the nominating convention and formed the Free Soil party with Martin Van Buren as their candidate.
Which of the following did Tyler accomplish as president?
Establishing Maine's border with the Webster-Ashburton Treaty. The Webster-Ashburton Treaty resolved a long-standing border dispute between Canada and Maine, and the Seminole War was finally brought to an end.
Which of the following countries has NOT had control over Texas?
Great Britain-Texas has been controlled by Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States and, later, the Confederate States of America.
How did the leak of the Ostend Manifesto in 1854 impact President Pierce's policy?
He decided to give up on the annexation of Cuba or potential military action against Spain due to strong public pressure.
Why did Tyler join the Whig Party if he didn't believe in their policies?
He felt that the Democrats under Jackson were behaving improperly. Tyler resigned his senate seat rather than be forced to choose between his principles or the Democrats that had elected him. This put him in the uneasy position of aligning with the anti-Jacksonian Whig Party under the leadership of Henry Clay, even though he opposed Clay's American System of tariffs, internal improvements and a national bank.
Which of the following was NOT accomplished by President James K. Polk?
He supported a joint resolution in Congress that allowed for the annexation in Texas in 1844. Following Polk's election in 1844, the lame-duck President Tyler had the required support to finally pass a joint resolution in Congress annexing Texas. Tyler signed the legislation days before leaving office, even though Polk's election is often credited with making it happen.
Election of 1848 and the California Gold Rush
In 1848, the Whig Party nominated General Zachary Taylor - the hero of the Mexican-American War - as their candidate for president. The Democratic Party had split in two over the issue of slavery in the land from the Mexican cession, creating the Free Soil Party. Taylor won the election, and proceeded to run the country as he had run the army. But shortly before the treaty ending the war was finalized, gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in California. The immediate result was chaos, and even Sutter was forced off his land. The following year, 1849, thousands of people flooded the western territory. Within a year, the landscape was transformed from quiet, family ranches into the international port of San Francisco. In 1850, the people of California wanted to become a state. It had been President Taylor's suggestion that they skip the territorial stage and go straight to writing a constitution, so that they could avoid the contentious Congressional debate over slavery. Southern lawmakers protested and threatened to secede if the plan were carried out. The president bristled, and told the Southerners in no uncertain terms that the plan was legal and he would see it carried out. Unfortunately, 'Old Rough and Ready' died before any decisions were made.
Which of the following was NOT an outcome of the California Gold Rush?
It had no significant impact on the outcome of the 1848 election.
Why was there so much popular support for expansionism?
It offered people a second chance with new opportunities in business and cheap (or even free) land. Land ownership represented freedom, wealth and political power.
How did the death of his son prior to his inauguration impact Franklin Pierce's policies?
It turned him into a highly secluded person who did not significantly impact American policies. It made him highly docile and unwilling to take any risks. It made him strive for peace and lead America into a period of warm cooperation with other nations and not seek to expand American borders. It made him completely focused on the territorial and economic expansion of America.
Which of the following is FALSE regarding the Oregon Trail?
It was formed after the 1818 Rush-Bagot Treaty. It started off as a road built by the government. It was over 2000 miles long. It caused the displacement of thousands of Native Americans. Stretching 2,000 miles from Missouri to the Pacific Coast, the Oregon Trail was blazed by fur trappers like John Jacob Astor as a footpath. But within a couple of decades, the wagon trail included bridges and mountain passes, taking nearly half a million people not just to Oregon but to many 'jumping-off points,' leading prospectors to California, Mormon refugees to Utah and settlers anywhere there was fertile land, displacing thousands of Native Americans in the process.
Which of the following was NOT a reason some Americans opposed annexing Texas?
It would have led to war against Texans who wanted annexation. The people of Texas suppported a union with the United States.
How did California become a state free of slavery in 1850?
Its newly-formed government skipped the territorial stage by declaring California slave free in its constitution. President Taylor urged settlers in New Mexico and California to jump straight to the second step - just draft constitutions and apply for statehood, bypassing the territorial stage.
James K. Polk Accomplishments | Political Career & Significance
James K. Polk was one of the most important presidents in American history due to his incredible accomplishments, including the annexation of the Oregon territory, Texas, and the Mexican cession. Polk's presidency started when he was able to beat Henry Clay in the election of 1844 as a dark horse candidate. This was part of the reason why he was chosen as the Democratic nominee instead of Martin Van Buren because while Polk was less famous, his ideas helped him stand out from Clay and other politicians at the time. Once Polk became president, he set the goal of resolving American border disputes with Mexico and the United Kingdom. Britain and America both had claims over the Oregon territory, causing them to almost declare war over the area as some American politicians coined the phrase ''54-40 or Fight''. Shortly before Polk took office, President John Tyler signed the Texas annexation bill that would eventually result in Texas' admission to the Union. Part of why Polk often is incorrectly attributed with the annexation of Texas is because Texas did not formally join the Union until after Polk took office. The annexation of Texas was one of the reasons for the start of the Mexican-American war from 1846-1848. That is because after America annexed Texas, Polk sent federal troops to enforce Texas' claims in the Rio Grande Valley, which resulted in fighting that escalated to war. The war ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which granted America all of Texas' claims and several states in the west including California, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and others. This acquisition of territory set the stage for the American Civil war a decade later as much of the new territory was involved in fierce debate about whether it would become slave or free territory in the slavery debate.
President John Tyler: American Expansion and Sectional Concerns
John Tyler entered national politics after a congressman died, adhering strictly to the Jeffersonian Democrat platform. Later, as a senator, he fell out of favor with the party leadership because of his opposition to President Andrew Jackson's methods. He aligned with the anti-Jacksonian Whig Party, and although he didn't support their platform, the Whigs nominated Tyler for vice president in 1840. 'Tippecanoe and Tyler, Too!' were elected. But Harrison died just a month into his term, and Tyler set the example of actually becoming the president rather than just fulfilling presidential duties. Dubbed 'His Accidency,' President Tyler was again at odds with his party, which disowned him after he rejected their banking bills. They opposed almost all of his actions, and many Southern Whigs left the party to join the Democrats, dividing the nation along sectional lines. When Tyler vetoed a bill that increased spending during a budget crisis, Congress began his impeachment. Still, President Tyler did accomplish some foreign policy, including the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, and pushed the nation closer to its Manifest Destiny. His treaty to annex Texas was rejected, but he signed a bill accepting the republic into the Union after the presidential election in which he was defeated.
When was Texas officially annexed?
Texas applied for annexation in 1836 but was not officially annexed until 1845. Once it was annexed, Texas became the 28th state of the United States. Why did Mexico not want Texas to be annexed? Mexico did not want Texas to be annexed because Mexico claimed Texas as its own. Also, Mexico did not want the powerful United States at its northern border. Why was annexing Texas denied in 1844? President John Tyler's effort to ratify the Tyler-Texas Treaty in 1844 failed because Congress would not ratify it. Congress feared that ratifying the treaty would cause a war with Mexico and increase tensions in the United States over slavery in the West. Congress was afraid annexing Texas could start a civil war. Why was the annexation of Texas so controversial? The annexation of Texas was controversial because the early settlers in Texas brought slaves. The issue of the expansion of slavery into the West was threatening to tear the nation apart. Also, the annexation was controversial because the United States feared it would lead to war with Mexico.
Which was NOT a part of the Compromise of 1850?
Texas gained land from the eastern part of New Mexico. Texas gave up its western land claims in New Mexico.
Which of the following defines Manifest Destiny?
The belief that America should expand across the continent. In 1845, journalist John O'Sullivan defended America's claim on the territory, saying, '...that claim is by the right of our manifest destiny to overspread and to possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given us for the development of the great experiment of liberty and federated self-government entrusted to us.'
President Franklin Pierce's Politics and Economics
The election of 1852 was another shake-up of the political system in which the Democrats refused to re-nominate their incumbent president. Dark horse candidate Franklin Pierce was elected by a wide margin in the Electoral College, but he set about angering people throughout the nation and even around the world (and allowed himself to be influenced by bad advice). To be fair, the president was traumatized over the death of his last surviving child just before taking office. So, he poured his grief into assertive attempts to expand America's political and economic influence, and, as some people believed, slave power. He reached into Asia and Central America. He expanded the southern boundary of New Mexico with the Gadsden Purchase, thereby completing the last of the 'lower 48.' The slavery question popped up again with the Kansas-Nebraska Act and in his attempt to acquire Cuba, as revealed in the Ostend Manifesto. President Pierce's aggression was too much even for the Democrats, who refused to nominate him for a second term.
How did Tyler's attempted annexation of Texas impact the election?
The failed Princeton PR event crushed any hopes he had of getting reelected when two important diplomats were killed. The president and several high-ranking government officials took a pleasure cruise on the navy ship Princeton for a PR stunt to show off the world's largest naval gun. The weapon was fired twice without incident, but at the crowd's urging, the captain agreed to one more shot. The gun misfired, killing several people, including the two most important diplomats in the Texas negotiation.
Which of the following is FALSE regarding John Sutter's and James Marshall's role in the California Gold Rush?
The federal government seized Sutter's land and all of his gold. Sutter's land rights were challenged and overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sutter's only compensation was that the courts agreed if the land hadn't been his, then he shouldn't have had to pay taxes on it.
Which of the following did the Gadsden Purchase of 1853 complete?
The lower 48
Which of the following was NOT a result of Mexico's loosened immigration standards in its northeastern region?
The northern residents' defeat of Mexican General Santa Anna at the Alamo. Immigration standards were loosened in 1821 while the Alamo didn't happen until 1836. The northern residents did not defeat Santa Ana there either.
Why did Whig Party nominee Zachary Taylor resonate well with northern Americans?
They appreciated Taylor's long military service and opposition to sectionalism. The Whigs chose war hero General Zachary Taylor as their candidate. The fact that he was a slaveholder appealed to Southerners, but his 40 years of national military service made him stand in opposition to sectionalism and states' rights, which was a plus for Northerners.
What did the slogan '54°40 or Fight!' mean to the people who used it?
They'd go to war to set the border of Oregon at 54°40'. A public relations campaign endorsed the slogan '54 - 40 or Fight!' suggesting that America go to war to get all of the Oregon Territory.
How did Tyler's view of the annexation of Texas differ from Van Buren's position?
Tyler wanted Texas to be annexed, while Van Buren opposed it. President Martin Van Buren flat-out declined the Texas proposal for statehood, fearing that it would lead to war with Mexico.
How did the views of David Wilmot and John Calhoun on the expansion of slavery differ?
Wilmot was anti-slavery, while Calhoun was for keeping slavery in the US. David Wilmot was on the anti-slavery side and John C. Calhoun wanted slavery to be guaranteed forever.
Tyler's attempt to annex Texas during his presidency _____.
failed; the Senate refused to ratify his annexation treaty. When Tyler brought the treaty before the Senate, it was defeated, and so was Tyler.
The Oregon Trail
was a historic overland route used by pioneers, settlers, and fur traders in the 19th century to travel from the Missouri River to the Oregon Country in the Pacific Northwest. Here's a concise overview: Origins: The Oregon Trail's usage began in the 1830s, as individuals sought new opportunities, fertile land, and the prospect of a better life on the West Coast. Starting Point: The trail originated in Independence, Missouri, and several other "jumping-off" points along the Missouri River. Destination: The primary destination was the Oregon Country, which included present-day Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and parts of Wyoming and Montana. Length and Challenges: The trail stretched over approximately 2,000 miles, crossing diverse terrains, including prairies, deserts, and mountains. Pioneers faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather, disease, and the need for self-sufficiency. Wagon Trains: Pioneers traveled in large wagon trains, often drawn by oxen or horses, carrying their possessions and supplies for the journey. Historic Landmarks: The trail passed through notable landmarks, such as Chimney Rock, Independence Rock, and the South Pass in the Rocky Mountains. Role in Westward Expansion: The Oregon Trail played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States, facilitating the migration of tens of thousands of people seeking a new life. End of the Oregon Trail: The journey typically ended in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, where settlers established farms and communities. Impact: The Oregon Trail contributed to the development of the American West and left a lasting legacy in American history, folklore, and popular culture. Decline: As railroads and other modes of transportation became more accessible in the late 19th century, the use of the Oregon Trail declined. The Oregon Trail remains a symbol o
The Wilmot Proviso
was a proposed amendment to a congressional appropriations bill in 1846, during the Mexican-American War. It aimed to address the issue of slavery in the territories acquired from Mexico. Here's a concise overview: Origin: The Wilmot Proviso was introduced by Democratic Congressman David Wilmot of Pennsylvania in August 1846. Purpose: The Proviso sought to ban slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico as a result of the Mexican-American War, including the newly acquired territories of California, New Mexico, and Arizona. Controversy: The debate over the Wilmot Proviso highlighted the sectional tensions between the Northern and Southern states regarding the expansion of slavery into newly acquired territories. Passage and Failure: The Wilmot Proviso passed in the House of Representatives, where Northern representatives held a majority, but it failed to gain approval in the Senate, where Southern senators had more influence. Impact: Although the Wilmot Proviso itself was never enacted into law, the debates surrounding it heightened tensions between the North and the South over the issue of slavery expansion. Legacy: The Wilmot Proviso became a symbol of the broader conflict over the extension of slavery into the newly acquired territories, contributing to the sectional divide that would eventually lead to the Civil War. Compromise of 1850: The issues raised by the Wilmot Proviso were later addressed, in part, by the Compromise of 1850, which aimed to balance the interests of slave and free states in the newly acquired territories. While the Wilmot Proviso itself did not become law, its introduction and the debates surrounding it underscored the growing tensions between the North and the South over the expansion of slavery in the United States during the mid-19th century.
Texas Annexation in 1845 | Overview & History
Texas has a complicated history. The French first claimed it in 1685. Spain gained control of it in the early 18th century but lost it when Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821. Then, after the Texas Revolution, Texas was an independent republic between 1836 and 1846. Finally, the annexation of Texas by the United States happened in 1845, and Texas became the 28th state. Americans and other English-speaking settlers first migrated to Texas in 1821 when Mexico relaxed its immigration standards. This led to the reduction of warring Native American tribes in the area. Mexico first agreed to allow the settlers to bring slaves and to charge them little taxes. But as time went on, Mexico took steps to outlaw slavery and increase taxes on the American settlers. The settlers did not like this, so they declared independence. They won that independence in 1836 at the end of the Texas Revolution. After winning independence, Texans voted to apply for annexation to the United States. President Andrew Jackson deferred to Congress, which did not want to annex Texas because the issue of slavery in the West was too controversial. President Martin Van Buren, Jackson's successor, also did not want to annex Texas. Van Buren and other Americans feared that annexing Texas would start a war with Mexico. In addition, if Texas were annexed, Tejanos, or Texans with Mexican heritage, would become American citizens. Some Americans were against non-whites becoming citizens. Van Buren's successor, President John Tyler, did want to annex Texas. He negotiated the Tyler-Texas Treaty with the Texas government, but the Senate refused to ratify it. Tyler sent a courier to Texas to offer annexation on the last day of his presidency. Texas accepted. President James K. Polk signed legislation making Texas a state. Texas annexation happened unde
The Compromise of 1850 | History, Goal & Effects
The Compromise of 1850 was designed to keep the peace between the north and south during contentious times in American history. Although many believed the issue of slavery to be settled following the Missouri Compromise of 1820, it became clear that a simple geographical barrier between northern and southern states would not suffice. While the ideologues of the pro-slavery and abolitionist movements were unwavering, many in the middle felt compromise was the only way to avoid a civil war. Led by Senators Henry Clay and Stephen Douglas, a five-part compromise was proposed that would include the following: Admitting California to the Union as a free state Allowing new territories to vote on the fate of slavery within their borders Strengthening an existing Fugitive Slave Act Abolishing the slave trade in Washington, D.C. The Compromise of 1850 initially proved effective at keeping the peace and is remembered as the last successful bipartisan negotiation over the issue of slavery, as the American Civil War erupted a decade later. However, the Fugitive Slave Act, the harshest provision in the compromise, and strengthened the abolitionist movement.
What is most likely the message of this political cartoon? Americans were tired of hearing about the slavery issue.
The Democrats were responsible for the violence in Kansas.
Mexican-American War & Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo | Start & End
The Mexican-American War was a war between Mexico and the United States in the 1840s. It arose from conflicts between Texas and Mexico and the two nations, including disputes over the borders between the two countries and slavery. Mexico refused to recognize Texas as an independent state and therefore did not recognize the border which the United States had claimed when it annexed the state. When John Slidell was sent to negotiate this border, the Mexican government refused to meet with him. Another source of conflict was the Wilmot Proviso, which proposed that all land gained from Mexico would be slave-free and that a substantial amount of that land would be reserved for white farmers who would not rely on slaves. This proposal was denied as a result of significant opposition from senators in the South, such as John C. Calhoun. The third major cause of the war was the concept of Manifest Destiny, which drove many American decisions during this time period. The results of the Mexican-American War include: Independence of the state of California Ceding of additional land from Mexico to the United States, which would become seven states Acceptance of the Rio Grande as the border between the two countries Prominence of notable soldiers in the Mexican-American War, which often led to leadership positions in both the Union and Confederate Armies during the American Civil War Formation of the Republican Party in 1854 One prominent leader of the United States Army during this war was Zachary Taylor, who would later become president of the United States in 1849. He personally led the forces which defeated the Mexican Army multiple times in Texas and Mexico, earning him lasting respect throughout the nation. Another significant event in the war was the capture of Mexico City by Winfield Scott. This American victory was the end
This map best represents the United States after which event?
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The Republic of Texas
was an independent sovereign nation in North America that existed from 1836 to 1846. Here's a concise overview: Declaration of Independence: The Republic of Texas was declared on March 2, 1836, following the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico. Texas Revolution: The declaration followed the Texan victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, where Texas forces, led by Sam Houston, defeated Mexican forces under General Antonio López de Santa Anna. Leadership: Sam Houston was elected as the first President of the Republic of Texas in 1836. Mirabeau B. Lamar succeeded Houston as the second president in 1838. Recognition and Diplomacy: The Republic sought recognition from other nations, and it was officially recognized by the United States, France, and the United Kingdom during its existence. Boundaries: The Republic of Texas claimed a vast territory, extending to the Rio Grande, but its recognized borders were often disputed. Annexation by the United States: Texas faced economic challenges and threats from Mexico, and there was a desire among many Texans to join the United States. In 1845, Texas was annexed by the United States and became the 28th state. Legacy: The Republic of Texas had a short-lived existence, but it played a significant role in the history of Texas and the broader narrative of westward expansion in the United States. The annexation of Texas contributed to tensions between the Northern and Southern states, eventually leading to the Mexican-American War and the Compromise of 1850. The Republic of Texas, while independent for a relatively brief period, had a lasting impact on the history and identity of the state of Texas.
John Tyler (1790-1862)
was the 10th President of the United States, serving from 1841 to 1845. Here's a concise overview of his life and presidency: Early Life: John Tyler was born on March 29, 1790, in Charles City County, Virginia, into a prominent Virginia family. Political Career: Tyler served in various political offices, including as a U.S. Representative, Virginia governor, U.S. Senator, and Vice President. Vice Presidency: Tyler was elected as Vice President on the Whig ticket in 1840, serving under President William Henry Harrison. Ascension to the Presidency: Tyler became the first Vice President to assume the presidency due to the death of a sitting president when Harrison died after only a month in office (April 4, 1841). Presidency: As president, Tyler faced opposition from both Whigs and Democrats, as he did not fully align with either party's principles. His presidency was marked by conflicts with Congress over economic policies and his use of the veto power. Annexation of Texas: Tyler played a key role in the annexation of Texas, signing a resolution for annexation shortly before leaving office. Retirement: After leaving the presidency in 1845, Tyler retired from active politics. Later Years: During the Civil War, Tyler served in the Provisional Confederate Congress but died before he could take his seat. Death: John Tyler died on January 18, 1862, in Richmond, Virginia. Legacy: Tyler's presidency is often considered one of the more controversial and less successful in U.S. history. He was the first president to face impeachment proceedings, although they were not successful. Tyler's presidency was marked by political challenges and conflicts, and he left office without a clear political legacy. His adherence to states' rights and strict constructionist principles reflected his Virginia roots and contributed to the sectional
Millard Fillmore (1800-1874)
was the 13th President of the United States, serving from 1850 to 1853. Here's a concise overview of his life and presidency: Early Life and Political Career: Born on January 7, 1800, in Summerhill, New York. Fillmore began his political career in the New York State Assembly and later served in the U.S. House of Representatives. Vice Presidency: Fillmore became Vice President under President Zachary Taylor in 1849. Presidency: Became President upon Taylor's death in 1850. Fillmore supported and signed the Compromise of 1850, a series of measures aimed at resolving sectional tensions over slavery. Fugitive Slave Act: The Fugitive Slave Act, part of the Compromise of 1850, was vigorously enforced during Fillmore's presidency, which required the return of escaped slaves to their owners and was highly controversial. It heightened tensions between the Northern and Southern states. Foreign Affairs: Fillmore's administration dispatched Commodore Matthew Perry to open diplomatic relations with Japan, leading to the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854. Failed Reelection Bid: Fillmore's support of the Compromise of 1850 and the Fugitive Slave Act led to divisions within his party, and he was not nominated for a second term. Post-Presidential Life: Fillmore retired from active politics after his presidency. He ran for president again as a third-party candidate in 1856 but was not successful. Death: Millard Fillmore died on March 8, 1874, in Buffalo, New York. Fillmore's presidency is often associated with his role in the Compromise of 1850 and the Fugitive Slave Act, which sought to ease tensions between slave and free states but ultimately exacerbated the issue of slavery in the United States.
Franklin Pierce (1804-1869)
was the 14th President of the United States, serving from 1853 to 1857. Here's a concise overview of his life and presidency: Early Life and Political Career: Born on November 23, 1804, in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. Pierce served in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, representing New Hampshire. Mexican-American War: Pierce, a Democrat, served as a brigadier general during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and gained recognition for his military service. Presidential Election of 1852: Pierce won the Democratic nomination and defeated Whig candidate Winfield Scott in the presidential election of 1852. Domestic Policies: Pierce's presidency was marked by a focus on westward expansion, but he faced challenges, including sectional tensions over the issue of slavery. Kansas-Nebraska Act: One of the most controversial acts during Pierce's presidency was the Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854), which repealed the Missouri Compromise and allowed for the possibility of slavery in new territories. Prelude to the Civil War: Pierce's support for the Kansas-Nebraska Act and perceived pro-southern stance contributed to increasing sectional tensions and the polarization that eventually led to the Civil War. Foreign Affairs: Pierce's administration negotiated trade treaties with Japan, opening up diplomatic and economic relations. Post-Presidential Years: After leaving the presidency in 1857, Pierce retired from active politics and faced personal tragedies, including the death of his son. Death: Franklin Pierce died on October 8, 1869, in Concord, New Hampshire. Pierce's presidency is often associated with the lead-up to the Civil War and the contentious issues surrounding slavery. His administration faced challenges in navigating the divisive political climate of the time.
Franklin Pierce (1804-1869)
was the 14th President of the United States, serving from 1853 to 1857. Here's a concise overview of his life and presidency: Early Life: Born on November 23, 1804, in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. Pierce attended Bowdoin College in Maine, where he later became friends with Nathaniel Hawthorne. Military Service: Pierce served as a brigadier general in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), gaining recognition for his service. Political Career: Pierce had a long political career, serving in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as being the U.S. Attorney for New Hampshire. Dark Horse Presidential Nomination: Pierce was nominated as the Democratic Party's candidate for president in 1852 as a compromise candidate, emerging as a "dark horse" during a contested convention. Presidential Term (1853-1857): As president, Pierce focused on domestic issues, including westward expansion and the Gadsden Purchase. His support for the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, which allowed territories to decide on the issue of slavery, heightened sectional tensions. Foreign Policy: Pierce's administration negotiated trade treaties with Japan, opening diplomatic and economic relations. Failure to Secure Re-nomination: Pierce faced opposition within his party due to his stance on the Kansas-Nebraska Act and did not seek nor receive the Democratic Party's nomination for re-election in 1856. Post-Presidential Life: After leaving the presidency, Pierce retired from active politics. He opposed Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War, which led to criticisms of his loyalty. Death: Franklin Pierce died on October 8, 1869, in Concord, New Hampshire. Legacy: Pierce's presidency is often viewed negatively, as his policies contributed to the intensification of sectional tensions that would lead to the Civil War. Franklin Pierce's presidency i
