1856 Election

The Caning of Senator Charles Sumner on May 22, 1856 in the Senate Chambers reflects the tensions of the Union.

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​The Campaign

It was a time of bitter politics resulting in the demise of the Whig Party over sectional differences regarding slavery. The birth of the Republican Party in 1854, made up of former members of the Whig and Free Soil parties, wanted to stop the expansion of slavery to new territories. They intended to leave the current slave states alone, thus alienating the Abolitionists.  The Democrats wanted to keep everyone happy and the Union together, so depending on who their audience was they espoused that view.

The American Party, also known as the Know-Nothings, gained momentum from the influx of immigrants that resulted in a surge of ethnic and religious diversity that forever changed the canvas of our country. The potato famine in Ireland drove poor Catholics to the States, making them a perfect target for Protestants, who had a long tradition of anti-Catholicism. They were perceived as a threat to the wages of American-born workers, suffered from cultural stereotypes like a penchant for liquor and were unduly influenced by the Pope.
 

The Election Results

"The ballot box is the surest arbiter of disputes among free men."

​For the 1856 election the Democrats selected a career politician, James Buchanan a former congressman, U.S. Senator, Secretary of State and Minister to Great Britain. His main attribute was having had the good fortune to be out of the country during the Kansas Nebraska debates so no position on record.  Buchanan won with just 45% of the popular vote and 174 electoral votes.
 
The Republicans lost the election but with impressive results for a first time party running, winning eleven free states and establishing themselves as a formidable competitor in American politics. They did not win one southern state since their candidate, John C. Fremont, was not on any ballots. Fremont received 33% of the popular vote and 114 electoral votes.
 
Former President Millard Fillmore, the American Party candidate, received 22% of the popular vote and 8 electoral votes. 
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On November 4, 1856, the United States consisted of 31 states, with a population of 28 million. Voter turnout was one of the highest in history with 79% of eligible voters going to the polls.
 
The future of the Union was in question because of tensions over slavery that “peculiar institution”, westward expansion and immigration issues. The 1850 census recorded the population at 23 million. Within six years it had increased five million, a large portion attributed to Irish immigrants. This was the first census that collected detailed information on everyone in the household. ​

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President Franklin Pierce 
"Young Hickory" 
Missing in Action

It is important to note the current President, Franklin Pierce, was not on the Democratic ticket in 1856. 

In 1852 Pierce, a relatively unknown former Senator, was considered a “Dark Horse” Presidential candidate, who won a decisive victory over General Winfield Scott while losing only 4 states. He was often called a Northerner with Southern inclinations since geographically he should have been anti slavery but was ambiguous on the issue. He considered himself a Jacksonian Democrat. He was an ardent nationalist who supported states rights and expansion out west both issues the south supported.

The Democrats also won a majority in the House and Senate. Having control of the Executive and Legislative branches should have given them an opportunity to calm the nation during uncertain times, but unfortunately that did not happen. 

In his inaugural address President Pierce referencing slavery emphasized- 

“I fervently hope that the question is at rest and that no sectional or ambitious or fanatical excitement may again threaten the durability of our institutions or obscure the light of our prosperity.”

Pierce, a charming and amiable man attempted to maintain national harmony by avoiding divisive issues. His cabinet represented both Northern and Southern interests and stayed intact with no turnover during his administration - a feat that had never happened before or after. His support of the Kansas Nebraska Act and enforcement of the Fugitive Slave law made him persona non grata in his own party. He is the only elected sitting President not to be nominated for a second term.

"While men inhabiting different parts of this vast continent cannot be expected to hold the same opinions, they can unite in a common objective and sustain common principles."

Road Trips

Franklin Pierce Homestead

Franklin Pierce Manse Home