The American Presidential Election of 1852

The 17th U.S. presidential election in 1852 saw Franklin Pierce, a dark horse candidate, win against Whig nominee Winfield Scott. The election was marked by the collapse of the Whig Party and the rise of third parties like the Free Soil Party. The Democratic Party, with Pierce as their candidate, capitalized on the divided Whig Party and similar platforms between the two major parties. The election highlighted the growing tensions over slavery and the political instability of the era.

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