Franklin Pierce
14th President of the United States

Born
November 23rd, 1804
220 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1869
155 years ago — 64 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
United States
Links & References
Served as the 14th President from 1853 to 1857. Prior to the presidency, held positions as a U.S. Representative and a U.S. Senator from New Hampshire. Commanded a brigade during the Mexican-American War, rising to the rank of brigadier general. Advocated for the expansion of the United States through the enforcement of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed new territories to decide on slavery. His presidency was marked by significant political strife and debates over slavery, contributing to the events leading up to the Civil War.
Served as the 14th President of the United States
Advocated for the Kansas-Nebraska Act
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