BACKGROUND FOR

WHO IN THE WORLD WAS
FRANKLIN PIERCE?
A SONG ABOUT THE 14TH PRESIDENT OF THE USA 

Franklin Pierce was  President from 1853-1857. He was a northerner, from New Hampshire, but was seen to have sympathies with the South. He served during the turbulent  pre- Civil War era. During the Civil War he was openly supportive of the Confederacy. He  was widely criticized in his time and has the reputation of being one of the worst Presidents who ever served. He is not well- remembered by the present- day public.

Pierce was a military leader during the Mexican War. Jokes were made about him for falling off his horse, but in reality, he probably was wounded.  A day after this incident he returned to his command, but was in such pain that he passed out and had to be carried from the field. However, he did ultimately resume his position and led the American brigade to victory.

 His personal life was tragic. None of his children survived and his marriage fell apart.

He struggled with alcoholism for most of his adult life, and died of cirrhocis of the liver as a result.