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'''Franklin Pierce''' was the 14th [[President of the United States of America]], serving from 1853 to 1857.  Pierce was a [[Democrat]] and a Northerner known to have Southern sympathies.

'''Franklin Pierce''' was the 14th [[President of the United States of America]], serving from 1853 to 1857.  Pierce was a [[Democrat]] and a Northerner known to have Southern sympathies.

Franklin Pierce became President at a time of apparent tranquility. The United States, by virtue of the Compromise of 1850, seemed to have weathered its sectional storm. By pursuing the recommendations of southern advisers, Pierce--a New Englander--hoped to prevent still another outbreak of that storm. But his policies, far from preserving calm, hastened the disruption of the Union.  

Franklin Pierce became President at a time of apparent tranquility. The United States, by virtue of the [[Compromise of 1850]], seemed to have weathered its sectional storm. By pursuing the recommendations of southern advisers, Pierce--a New Englander--hoped to prevent still another outbreak of that storm. But his policies, far from preserving calm, hastened the disruption of the Union.  

Born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, in 1804, Pierce attended [[Bowdoin College]]. After graduation he studied law, then entered politics. At 24 he was elected to the New Hampshire legislature; two years later he became its Speaker. During the 1830's he went to Washington, first as a Representative, then as a Senator.  

Born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, in 1804, Pierce attended [[Bowdoin College]]. After graduation he studied law, then entered politics. At 24 he was elected to the New Hampshire legislature; two years later he became its Speaker. During the 1830's he went to Washington, first as a Representative, then as a Senator.