FRANKLIN PIERCE

THE FUTURE US PRESIDENT FOUGHT IN THE WAR TO INCREASE HIS ELECTORAL CHANCES OF HIGH OFFICE 1804-69 UNITED STATES

Born in New Hampshire, Pierce represented his state as a congressman and senator until 1842. By 1845 he was a successful attorney but he remained politically active and saw an opportunity to re-establish his old career when war broke out in 1846.

Pierce enlisted as a private but appealed to his ally President James K. Polk for a commission. He was duly appointed as a brigadier general, despite having no military experience.

Pierce’s forces joined the army of his superior officer Winfield Scott. At the Battle of Contreras, Pierce’s horse stumbled and crushed his leg. He passed out from the pain and his men began to break ranks. Although the battle ended in an American victory Pierce was nicknamed ‘Fainting Frank’ by some of his soldiers. Nevertheless, Pierce’s reputation was enhanced when his friend Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote a complimentary biography called

The Life Of Franklin Pierce. His military exploits increased his popularity, and he eventually became the 14th president of the United States in 1853.

Pierce’s opponent in the 1852 presidential election was his former superior officer Winfield Scott. Pierce won the election despite Scott’s far greater military reputation