Life of Franklin Pierce by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The biography details the life of Franklin Pierce, born on November 23, 1804, in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. He was the son of General Benjamin Pierce, a Revolutionary War veteran and prominent local figure. The narrative explores Franklin's upbringing, heavily influenced by his father's democratic ideals and military spirit, which instilled in him a sense of patriotism and leadership. Pierce's early education took place at local academies, where he was noted for his kindness and moral character. He later attended Bowdoin College, where he developed friendships and engaged in political discourse, aligning himself with democratic principles. After graduating in 1824, he began studying law under Judge Woodbury and faced initial challenges in his legal career, including a notable early failure in court. His political career began in the New Hampshire legislature, where he quickly gained respect and was elected Speaker. He served in Congress, where he was recognized for his integrity and commitment to democratic values, particularly regarding the contentious issue of slavery. Pierce's political stance was characterized by a desire for national unity and a commitment to the Constitution. In 1837, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he continued to build his reputation as a thoughtful and principled legislator. His tenure was marked by significant political events, including the Mexican-American War, during which he volunteered and rose to the rank of brigadier general. His military service further solidified his public image and popularity. After returning from the war, Pierce resumed his law practice and remained active in politics, supporting the Compromise of 1850, which aimed to ease tensions between the North and South. Despite his reluctance for public office, he was nominated for the presidency by the Democratic National Convention in 1852, largely due to his reputation and the support of his home state. Pierce's presidency (1853-1857) was marked by challenges, including the ongoing sectional conflict over slavery, which ultimately led to the Civil War. His administration struggled with issues of national unity and the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act, which alienated many in the North. The biography concludes with reflections on Pierce's character, emphasizing his integrity, dedication to the Union, and the complexities of his political life. It portrays him as a man shaped by his experiences, both personal and public, navigating the turbulent waters of American politics in a pivotal era.
By Nathaniel Hawthorne · First published 1852 · Genre: Biography, Historical Fiction, Political Literature · 7 chapters · 28,711 words
First lines
Franklin Pierce was born at Hillsborough, in the State of New Hampshire, on the 23d of November, 1804. His native county, at the period of his birth, covered a much more extensive territory than at present, and might reckon among its children many memorable men, and some illustrious ones. General Stark, the hero of Bennington, Daniel Webster, Levi Woodbury, Jeremiah Smith, the eminent jurist, and governor of the state, General James Miller, General McNeil, Senator Atherton, were natives of old Hillsborough County.
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Genres
- Biography — The book provides a detailed account of Franklin Pierce's life and political career.
- Historical Fiction — It explores the historical context of Pierce's presidency and the events of his time.
- Political Literature — The work examines political themes and the implications of Pierce's decisions.
- Literary Non-fiction — The narrative combines factual biography with literary style, reflecting on the subject's life.
Tags
Biography · American History · Politics · Leadership · Presidency · 19th Century · New England · Puritanism · Religion · Morality · Ethics · Personal Struggle
What this Textopian page supports
Life of Franklin Pierce is listed on Textopian as a novella by Nathaniel Hawthorne, dated 1852 CE.
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- Work type: Novella
- Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Date: 1852 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Biography, Historical Fiction, Political Literature, Literary Non-fiction, American Literature
- Length: 28,711 words
- Structure: 7 chapters, 167 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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- Work identity for Life of Franklin Pierce by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Contents
- His Parentage and Early Life
- His Services in the State and National Legislatures
- His Success at the Bar
- The Mexican War
- His Services in the Valley of Mexico
- The Compromise and other Matters
- His Nomination for the Presidency