Chapter 12: President Pierce Tries to Assuage Southern Fears

Franklin Pierce is elected in 1852, and like his successor, James Buchanan, will be labeled a “Doughface,” one born up North but committed to doing the South’s bidding to stay in office.

With the Wilmot Proviso looming large, the search is on to acquire slavery land outside the U.S. borders.

The filibusterer William Walker fails to add Baja California and the province of Sonora in 1853 before succeeding to conquer Nicaragua in 1855 and open slavery there. A plan by three U.S. ambassadors to acquire Cuba by force if necessary is stalled after the Ostend Manifesto is leaked to the press.