The fourteenth President of the United States, serving from 1853 to 1857, is a significant figure in the study of American history, particularly within the Advanced Placement United States History curriculum. His presidency is typically examined in the context of escalating sectional tensions leading up to the Civil War. Key events and policies associated with his administration include the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which further inflamed the slavery debate, and attempts at expansionism, such as the Ostend Manifesto. These are often referenced when students are tasked with understanding the political landscape of the mid-19th century.
Studying his presidency provides insight into the failures of compromise and the growing divide between the North and South. Understanding his actions and the resulting consequences helps students grasp the complexities of the period and the reasons for the eventual outbreak of civil conflict. Moreover, the topics covered within this period demonstrate the growing influence of slavery on national politics, challenging students to understand the perspectives of different regions and political factions.
