The 14th President of the United States was Franklin Pierce, who served from 1853 to 1857. Pierce, a Democrat from New Hampshire, is often considered one of the lesser-known presidents in American history. Despite his relative obscurity, Pierce's presidency was marked by significant events and decisions that shaped the course of the nation during a tumultuous period.
During Pierce's presidency, the country was embroiled in sectional tensions over the issue of slavery. The passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, which repealed the Missouri Compromise and allowed for the expansion of slavery into new territories, was a major controversy of his administration. This decision further polarized the nation and set the stage for the coming Civil War.
One of Pierce's most notable achievements was the signing of the Gadsden Purchase in 1853, which acquired a strip of land from Mexico that would later become part of Arizona and New Mexico. This acquisition was intended to facilitate the construction of a transcontinental railroad, a project that was seen as vital for the economic development of the country.
Despite these accomplishments, Pierce's presidency was marred by controversy and criticism. His support for the Kansas-Nebraska Act and his perceived pro-slavery stance alienated many in the North, leading to his party's defeat in the 1856 presidential election. Pierce's handling of the growing tensions between North and South also drew criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
Passed by Congress June 13, 1866, and ratified July 9, 1868, the 14th Amendment extended liberties and rights granted by the Bill of Rights. This amendment, which granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, was a significant step towards ensuring equality and civil rights for all Americans.
In recent years, there has been debate over the interpretation of the 14th Amendment and its implications for modern political issues. Does the 14th Amendment empower states to keep Donald Trump off the 2024 presidential ballot? As the United States Supreme Court gears up to hear arguments on this question, the legacy of the 14th President and his administration's impact on the nation are once again in the spotlight.
A longshot legal bid in multiple US states to disqualify Donald Trump from the 2024 US presidential ballot has won in Colorado and Maine. This development highlights the ongoing relevance of past presidential administrations and their decisions in shaping the current political landscape.
Joe Biden's job performance over his first three years in the White House is being viewed more favorably by presidential experts than by the general public. This contrast underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of presidential legacies and their lasting impact on American society.
The Sweet Briar Board of Directors announced today that it has unanimously selected Mary Pope Maybank Hutson as the College's next president. This decision reflects the ongoing importance of leadership and decision-making in shaping the future of institutions and organizations.
On Feb. 8, 2024, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in a potentially historic case that could affect former President Donald Trump's political future. This case highlights the enduring significance of the judicial branch in interpreting and applying constitutional principles to contemporary issues.
This week the Supreme Court considers its most consequential case involving a presidential election since Bush v. Gore in 2000. As the nation grapples with questions of democracy and governance, the legacy of past presidents such as Franklin Pierce and the impact of their decisions continue to resonate in modern politics.
Former President Donald Trump's bid to win back the White House in 2024 is now endangered by two sentences added to the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Supreme Court hears the case on Thursday, underscoring the ongoing relevance of constitutional law and presidential legacies in shaping the nation's political landscape.
