Franklin Pierce[]

Franklin Pierce (November 23, 1804 – October 8, 1869) was a Brigadier General in the United States Army during the Mexican-American War and later became the 14th President of the United States (1853–1857). Though he is primarily remembered for his presidency, Pierce played a notable role in the Mexican-American War, demonstrating both political ambition and military leadership despite significant challenges in the field.

Early Life and Political Career[]

Born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, Pierce studied law and entered politics at a young age. By the early 1830s, he had become a rising figure in the Democratic Party, serving in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. Despite his political success, he resigned from the Senate in 1842 and returned to private law practice, maintaining strong ties to the Democratic leadership.

Mexican-American War[]

Although Pierce had no prior military experience, he enthusiastically supported the war and used his political connections to secure a commission as a Brigadier General in 1847. He was assigned to the Army of General Winfield Scott, which was advancing toward Mexico City.

Battle of Contreras (August 19–20, 1847)[]

Pierce commanded a brigade in General Gideon Pillow’s division, participating in the Battle of Contreras. However, his lack of combat experience became evident when he fell from his horse and was injured, temporarily incapacitating him. Despite his injury, he attempted to lead his men in the subsequent attack but struggled to maintain control.

Battle of Churubusco (August 20, 1847)[]

After recovering from his fall, Pierce rejoined his brigade for the battle later that day. However, his injury worsened under the strain of combat, and he was eventually forced to leave the field. Though his brigade played a role in the battle, his personal involvement was limited.

Capture of Mexico City (September 1847)[]

Pierce was present during the final assault on Mexico City, though his participation was overshadowed by more experienced commanders such as Winfield Scott, William J. Worth, and Gideon Pillow. Despite his struggles in combat, he remained popular among his troops and was later praised for his dedication to duty despite his injuries.

Post-War Political Career[]

After the war, Pierce returned to New Hampshire as a war hero, leveraging his military service to enhance his political profile. In 1852, the Democratic Party nominated him for the presidency, portraying him as a compromise candidate who could appeal to both Northern and Southern voters.

He won the presidential election of 1852, defeating Winfield Scott, his former commanding officer. His presidency, however, was largely defined by divisive sectional tensions, including the controversial Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854), which exacerbated tensions leading to the Civil War.

Legacy[]

Though his military career was short and marked by difficulties, Pierce’s service in the Mexican-American War played a crucial role in his rise to the presidency. He remains a controversial figure in American history, remembered both for his military service and his presidency’s failures in handling the growing national divide.

References[]

Holt, Michael F. Franklin Pierce. Henry Holt and Company, 2010.
Bauer, K. Jack. The Mexican War, 1846-1848. University of Nebraska Press, 1992.
Eisenhower, John S.D. So Far from God: The U.S. War with Mexico, 1846-1848. Random House, 1989.

Franklin Pierce

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