Presidential election
1852 presidential election
Franklin Pierce defeated Winfield Scott, winning 254 of 296 electoral votes and 50.8% of the popular vote.
Results
69.6%
Turnout rate
3.1M
Total votes cast
3.8M
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York(NY) | 35 | DemocraticPierce | +2.1% |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 27 | DemocraticPierce | +3% |
| Ohio(OH) | 23 | DemocraticPierce | +0.5% |
| Massachusetts(MA) | 13 | WhigScott | +5.2% |
| Vermont(VT) | 5 | WhigScott | +22.3% |
Candidates
Party
DemocraticRunning mate
William R. King
Home state
New Hampshire
Age at election
47
Previous position
Brigadier General, U.S. Senator from New Hampshire
Campaign slogan
"We Polked You in '44, We'll Pierce You in '52"
Popular vote
1.6M
(50.8%)
Electoral votes
254
Party
WhigRunning mate
William A. Graham
Home state
Virginia
Age at election
65
Previous position
Commanding General of the U.S. Army
Campaign slogan
"Old Fuss and Feathers"
Popular vote
1.4M
(44%)
Electoral votes
42
Northern States
Pierce
48%
Southern States
Pierce
57%
Key events
Democratic Convention
Pierce emerged as dark horse after 49 ballots
Uncle Tom's Cabin Published
Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel galvanized anti-slavery sentiment
Issues & context
Last election won by Whig Party candidate (even in loss). Both parties tried to avoid slavery issue. Compromise of 1850 temporarily eased sectional tensions. Pierce seen as 'Northern man with Southern principles.'
Post-Mexican War prosperity. California Gold Rush boosting economy. Railroad construction accelerating. Rapid territorial and population growth.
Fillmore (Whig) passed over for nomination in favor of military hero Scott. Democrats chose unknown Pierce specifically because he had few enemies.
Whig Party collapsed after this defeat. Pierce's Kansas-Nebraska Act destroyed his presidency and party unity. Set stage for Republican Party emergence. Last pre-Civil War Democratic dominance.
Did you know?
- 1.Pierce's son was killed in train accident between election and inauguration
- 2.Pierce is often ranked as one of worst presidents
- 3.Whig Party never recovered from this loss
- 4.Pierce won 27 of 31 states - one of most lopsided electoral margins
- 5.Scott was the last Whig presidential nominee