My favorite quote about Franklin Pierce comes from Horace Mann, after finding out that Nathaniel Hawthorne would be writing his campaign biography. “If he makes Franklin Pierce out to be a great man, it will be the greatest piece of fiction he ever wrote.”
I taught American History to gifted (academically advanced) 5th graders for 9 years and NONE of the history book teacher’s editions had this kind of detail in them. As a result none of my students ever chose to write their presidents reports on Pierce. I wish that my dad was still alive because he instilled a love of history in my sibs and especially me. This is the sort of video that the two of us could’ve discussed at some length. Please do more videos on the lesser known presidents. Thanks!
This will be my third watch-through of this - one of the best long-form history things I have run across on RUclips. Antebellum American history is an absolutely insane time period with so many fascinating characters, and this video does a great job at providing a cross -section of it. Hats off to you, Mr. Munger.
@SeanMunger Why do you hide your copy of the "Communist Manifesto" or Maoist Principles of Communism or Karl Marx.....come on show us who you really are.....come on out of the shadows.....your at home in your basement....
His administration had a black cloud from day one. His vice president, William King, was inaugurated in Cuba where he was trying to recuperate from tuberculosis but died just 45 days after Pierce became president.
As a resident of New Hampshire I have long been aware of the general history and unkind adjectives used to describe Franklin Pierce's presidency. Even when I toured the "Pierce Mansion" and took the tour offered there, not much more than a thumbnail sketch of the Pierce story was presented. This presentation has opened my eyes to the man, the times and the external factors that molded our 14th President. Thank you for a comprehensive and detailed lesson concerning a man that history has seemed to kicked to the side of the road and chosen to ignore. I applaud your efforts.
Although rare, there were at least 5 law schools in the US in 1825: William & Mary (1779), Litchfield (independent, 1784) Transylvania University in Kentucky (1799), Harvard (1817). Yale's would open in 1826.
What a story. I was unaware of at least half, probably more. You speak clearly and at an appropriate pace. Vid deserves more than 121 likes over the course of 4 months.
I love the way you present history - first as a cohesive story and then as a nuanced, profound look on the broad context. That's how it should be done and thought. Thanks, and keep it up! Greetings from Bulgaria!
To be honest, I didn’t know why Franklin Pierce was nominated, and we mostly just know him as a failure of a president who was an enormous alcoholic. This video made it clearer why he drank so much. With James Buchanan after him being far worse, Pierce just gets overlooked even by people interested in our history.
To quote one of our foremost intellectuals, “To much opinionated commentary.” As much as I despise Andrew Jackson, it kinda makes sense now why he turned into the murderous animal he was. Getting imprisoned and tortured by a bunch of grown male killers when you’re 13 will give you a mean case of PSTD. Thank you for this thorough, provocative, and profoundly insightful lesson. Keep it up!
Pierce kin here. Thousands out there related to this President and W, and don't even know it. Thanks for this! Always tell folks, if you'd had his life, you'd get drunk too.
I'm a Pierce kin too. You're absolutely right. The man outlived all of his children and his wife. He only lived 64 years and went through far more than most humans ever should have to do. Imagine getting elected President of the United States then having your last remaining child get killed in a train wreck right before your inauguration. He endured a LOT.
Just finished. I have profound sadness and want to mention Pierce more often when conversation brings up forgotten presidents. What an intense timeline.
Ooooh just when I thought I found all the good history channels the algorithm blesses me with this gem. Well done sir, it blows my mind how you don’t have more subscribers.
This is one of the best in depth presentations of one of the most obscure and ineffective presidents I have ever viewed. No one ever speaks of this man. Most historical studios of the presidents skip over him or make very brief comment. Even books are hard to find on him. His life was plagued with mistakes. His marriage to his polar opposite was his biggest mistake however there were many others not the least of which was the demon in the bottle. People overlook him in study not realizing that with him, along with a string of other weak presidents between Jackson and Lincoln , contributed to one of the greatest disasters in America history. You have covered this topic so well. I encourage you to do more presentations on weak and ineffective leaders of that era.
Thank you Sean Munger, for bringing this mostly untold chapter of History to us. I have learned more about the nuances of Pre-Civil War History from you. Franklin Pierce was a truly tragic person, in an era of approaching massive tragedy.
I could only dream that an individual like Sean Munger would come along and provide a deep dive such as this on one of my favorite Presidents to study. Due to the severe lack of analysis and reporting on many mid to late 19th century presidents, I would love to see Mr. Munger take on the mantle as the one who shall fill that void.
A thoughtful and thorough examination of a tragic man who lead an equally tragic life. Missed opportunities. I can just imagine his hangovers. This incredible work of our history is great. The speaker has his act together and thank you for the details of this remarkable time in U.S. history.
I am amazed at the fact that you answer my questions before you finish the thought. You are awesome in delivery, facts, and completion. I can not say enough nice things about you. Thank you. Leona Chapman
The loss of all his children, the troubled relationship with his wife --- all tragedies, that distracted Pierce from effectively governing. His heavy drinking became increasingly dominant in both his life & Presidency. Obviously, a man in torment. A most depressing life.
Dear Sean!!!! I have been studying the presidents alll my life and I just want to say that your deep and thorough report and personal documentary was just what I was looking for. I have been doing a study on the presidents because it's Election season and I couldnt find a documentary on Franklin Pierce. At least ones that arent AI driven or a talking computer that reads from Wikipedia. Next I will be doing James Buchanan, but I just wanted to say I LOVED YOUR DOCUMENTARY and I watched the whole thing in one night and even did my own research and learned more about the "Kansas-Nebraska Act" and "Bleeding Kansas"...It also hit pretty close because my cousin right now is dying of alcoholism and cirrhosis and it's really horrible watching him cough up blood and witness him dying. How can the MOST POWERFUL MAN IN THE WORLD die alone in his own dark world? Again, thank you for making this and I greatly enjoyed!!!!❤🤍💙🍹
Bravo! Congratulations on providing us with an in depth bio on Pierce and the heartbeat of the men and women of this time in our history! You took this story out of the history books and gave us a visual dimension with all those worm holes! Great video!
I loved this video, watched it all the way through with only one potty break! I love how you tied in the man and his presidency with the political shenanigans of the time. Please, please do more on other presidents, especially those ones you identified of the same time period, 1830- after the Civil War. I don't know much about that time period, would like to know more.
You're amazing with the details I didn't know about FP being in the war. Thanks also for WS being in battle with ZT. He was so tight with money that he wouldn't pick up the nomination bc of the Whig party failure to put postage. ZT is my 6th GRANDFATHER. RIP ZACHARY & FRANKLIN
I'm Autisitc enough to appretciate this video. its brought to light details about this president that I never knew. Thank you for the work, and dedication you put into making this video. you are subscribed, and I look forward to seeing more of your content. Keep up the good work
If I could suggest two another Presidents for an in depth video: Chester Allen Arthur, a corrupt politician who signed into law Civil Service Reform The other is Rutherford B. Hayes, the winner of the closest U.S. presidential election who became a hero in Paraguay.
I am related in some way to Franklin Pierce, my great grandmother was a Pierce. I've not yet been able to determine the exact connection. As a child it was a source of pride to brag I was related to a president but as I learned more about him I became less likely to mention the connection. Thank you for this perspective. It helped me to find the humanity in Pierce and embrace the relationship- though I doubt I will ever again brag of it.
I actually love this video. Good information on Franklin Pierce is so rare. I became a bit obsessed with learning about him a few months ago, and the only reliable information I could get on him was from the special collections from my university library. I find Pierce one of the most fascinating presidents personally as everything about him seems so contradictory. I'm so glad to see other people out there interested in Pierce and willing to give such a thorough look into his life and times.
I love presidential history, but I’ve never looked into the life of Franklin Pierce much at all. Thank you for this insightful journey into his life. I look forward to hearing more of your studies in presidential history.
What a great history episode. Too good to take your advice and break it up into chapters. I'm going to have to check out Your other work. I heard of Pierce only as the can kicker on slavery. It was great to dig deeper into his role in the events and and politics of his time. He was not just ineffective, but terrible and a tragic example of the terrible things things when short sighted people are able to succeed politic to roles where they're incompetence does real damage. Him and Buchanon kind of remind me of Paul Ryan & Kevin McCarthy, handing off one short slighted almost willfully blind schemer to the next, each suffering from the Dunning-Krueger Effect.
Excellent comprehensive history lesson. I like your tangential forays coming back to nail a point. Well organized ,easy to follow your steady pace. Looking forward to more history lessons from you.
Sean, this is really interesting. I appreciate the inclusion of the side stories too. It adds context. Thank you for making this segment of history so interesting.
President Pierce is on my list. That is, that long list of accomplished, successful, wealthy, famous and so many others that have drank themselves to death (Decompensating Cirrhosis). That list is ever growing and now includes several people I love.
Great video, it’s refreshing to view a historical piece with meat on its bones. As a history buff, I’ve seen the surface level skimming over of this period of American history. It’s refreshing to hear about the political ploys and culture of this time period. I don’t understand Pierce’s wife, it seems like a selfish move to insist pierce quit his profession just so you don’t have to socialize.
I absolutely adore your long in depth videos, and everything else you do. This video is fantastically well researched and insightfull! With kind regards Thomas
Sean, well done! I have read at least 1 biography on our presidents as well as oodles of history, and I just was so appreciative of your approach towards Pierce. Great insight on the generational change in politics; and humor was appreciated. Pierce was a real nebbish. But I always wondered what those conversations were between his 'good friend' Jeff Davis and Pierce, who was clearly in an emotionally weakened condition. Whatever moral fiber or discernment Pierce might have had I am sure was eroded/undone by Jeff D.
Sean, this is my favorite video. It was so informative and super entertaining. I learned so much and I love how you go deep into a singular topic and branch out exploring super interesting details that give us a better idea of what things looked like in that time period. I absolutely appreciate your video. Thank you and I look forward to more of your videos of your deep dive into history.
"Alcohol sodden" lends a greater depth to the fictional character Benjamin Franklin ("Hawkeye") Pierce than I'd heretofore realized. Thanks for this, so far, and I'll likely be back with additional comments as I make my way through chapter by chapter. But first...
M I N D B L O W N ! ! ! I not only didn't know Hawkeye's full name but I also didn't get the reference you put up till I read it. OUTSTANDING insight on an already amazing video. Bravo.
Thank you for your in depth look at Franklin Pierce. It has been 50+ years since my three semester US History course in High School and your video explained much of the political tensions leading to the Civil war that I have forgotten. On a different note, I have a better appreciation why Richard Hooker who wrote M*A*S*H named the main character Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce.
This video is outstanding and very interesting. I enjoyed the details and the supporting visuals were easy to understand. Thank you for the research, organization, and excellent delivery of the content.
Mr. Munger, I just got done watching your 1924 Democratic national convention 16 weeks absolutely astonishing! As someone who prides themselves on American history, I was simply amazed at how much insight and context you gave to the delightful and insightful deluge. I wish so badly that you were my historian while I was going to school. I am learning way more from you online for free than I did spending over $60,000 on an education in college. Thank you sir, for your dedication to the history of art politics, and the American Historical society by and large. It’s because of those like you that give me hope we can make a brighter, more progressive, and just society. I know you will probably never see this, but thank you from the bottom of my heart I appreciate every uttered comment.
Very interesting video. I am surprised you didn’t mention the impact of Hawthorne’s best selling bio of Pierce in increasing Pierce’s national name recognition and ultimately increasing support for his Presidential campaign.
Sean Munger, you are the man! I thoroughly enjoy your sharing these in depth history documentaries that provide so much additional information. You prove here that you can make an obscure subject thoroughly enjoyable to learn about.
Kudos Mr. Munger for creating this thoroughly edifying and entertaining historical video. Imo, this is the way American history should be taught and learned! Of course it hasn’t been and probably will never be taught or explained this way, our loss as usual. You’ve done a remarkable job of explicating Franklin Pierce and the historical era that formed him, as well as putting that history in its proper context. And it was fun to watch!
Exceptionally captivating and concise intro. This channel has been such a great find, this guy truly does not miss and the writing/oration skills from his legal education really shine through in the script.
Esteemed colleague, greetings from Belgrade. Your lectures are so pleasing, that you invigorated my interest in American history. Keep doing the good job 👍 👍👍
This was fascinating - love the level of detail and work you put into it. I’m commonly disappointed in “History Channel” (shallow exploration of a topic) stuff, and this video hits my sweet spot of detail and depth. I’m a new subscriber to your channel as a result, and I can’t wait to go through your archive!
I probably learned all the presidents before I was 10, and yet I didn't know the train story until 10 years or so ago, when I was turning 30. It's amazing how squeamish people are. You'd think that train wreck would be the center of EVERY Pierce biography. It is very rare to open any book of presidents and see it mentioned AT ALL. Pierce wasn't a good president, but I think everyone should know this story before they judge him. You rarely hear the story about the son of the 9th president/father of the 23rd president, either. Of course, that's more lurid than instructive. Kudos to you for creating a fair and complete video about Pierce.
Excellent. Love the expalnations,conexions and the overall pace of the presentation. What an interesting piece of History. I agree with you, we learn a lot more from the failures than from the successes and Pierce's story dissects such a rich and complicated period in the US' history, seldom visited by historians. Thanks.
I am so happy I found your channel. So very informative and at times hilariously funny which is what I needed. Laughter. Thank you. Looking forward to binge watching your videos. 😊
And there’s a lot of gaps in my knowledge of American history. Period between 1818 59 before the Civil War is strangely fascinating. You did a thorough and complete job as far as I can tell. I am very impressive would like to see more.
I wish someone like you would make a video like this just on the history of abolition/abolitionist, it's so underdeveloped as a topic for something that is such a massive part of american history
Another fantastic video! The way you tell stories of history is so cohesive and interesting. This channel is everything I’ve ever wanted. I would love to hear more about what you say is your unpopular opinion of the founding fathers and abolishing slavery.
Great video. I live in a small town in Southern NH where Franklin Pierce attended a private academy and where Levi Woodbury was born. I enjoyed the discussion of NH politics in that era and thought you did a wonderful job of intermixing the story of his personal and political lives, and in placing his failed presidency the context of the major events of the 1850s that led up to the Civil War. It was a very informative story and well told.
23:42 When I saw "Quincy" on the screen, even though this is the first I've heard of you and the first video I've seen, somehow I already knew you would pronounce it correctly. Your presentation made clear so far you're legit!
WOW! I think I’d have liked history if you had been my teacher! Sadly, none of my history teachers made the subject interesting. A wonderful video! (I will certainly subscribe) Having been raised in NH and lived in Concord, I knew precious little about our only president. My father, whose passion was history, sadly informed me that he was not a good president and I finally understand why. Although, I doubt the assessment of “Worst US President” will hold much longer! I look forward to learning more from you. I would love a deep dive into the horrific Trail of Tears. Another on Hannah Dustin. I wish my father could have seen this. He died not knowing we had an ancestor on the Mayflower or that we are related to Benjamin Franklin. Genealogy is how my interest in history got started. ❤ Shirley Kathan-Sayess
very good video.. begging a bit too long, some stuff could be edited.. but overall really informative..best i've seen on someone nobody ever discusses..
Thank you for this wonderful presentation on an oft-overlooked man in American History. Tremendous job giving us every aspect and historical context rather than giving us a simple biographical summation.
Thank yo for this I moved to New Hampshire 20 years ago and have lived in my house on Franklin Pierce Hwy for the last 7 years. One of my closest friends lives in Amherst. You’ve taught me so much about this adored son of NH.
He was actually born in a cabin, the site of which is now at the bottom of Pierce Lake. His sister Elizabeth stepped in when Jane was unable to act as hostess at the White House. Such a sad story.... I wonder what kind of president he might have been if he hadn't had so much tragedy. Oh, and his father's birthday was Christmas day and Pierce was the first President to have a Christmas tree in the White House.
Thank you for this in depth report. I think there is a lot to be learned from examining Franklin Pierce’s life. It’s almost like he was unprepared for what he attempted to accomplish. Very thought provoking.
My favorite quote about Franklin Pierce comes from Horace Mann, after finding out that Nathaniel Hawthorne would be writing his campaign biography. “If he makes Franklin Pierce out to be a great man, it will be the greatest piece of fiction he ever wrote.”
True, but it took a certain greatness of character just to sustain the sorrow and tragedy he suffered.
He was quite capable in the Mexican War
That sounds odd.
Oh not, not THE Horace Mann! 😅
@liasisboa What certain greatness...🤔 Alcohol?
This is definitely one of the best comprehensive history channels on RUclips
Wow, thank you! 🙏
@@SeanMungergreat video buddy! I would love for you to do a detailed video of every U.S President.
I taught American History to gifted (academically advanced) 5th graders for 9 years and NONE of the history book teacher’s editions had this kind of detail in them. As a result none of my students ever chose to write their presidents reports on Pierce.
I wish that my dad was still alive because he instilled a love of history in my sibs and especially me. This is the sort of video that the two of us could’ve discussed at some length. Please do more videos on the lesser known presidents. Thanks!
This is very high praise! Thank you! 🙏
My Dad was one history teacher too. Loved his subject. Would love to be watching this with him.
Monica I always loved history
Love your comment always loved American and World History
This is a sad administration
This will be my third watch-through of this - one of the best long-form history things I have run across on RUclips. Antebellum American history is an absolutely insane time period with so many fascinating characters, and this video does a great job at providing a cross -section of it. Hats off to you, Mr. Munger.
Wow, I'm glad you're enjoying this so much! Thanks!
@SeanMunger Why do you hide your copy of the "Communist Manifesto" or Maoist Principles of Communism or Karl Marx.....come on show us who you really are.....come on out of the shadows.....your at home in your basement....
It was even more insane if you happened to be Black.
If you dont know already Mr.Beat is a good channel for presidential history even though his peirce one is kinda lacking
I SO ENJOY Sean's long videos.
👏👏👏💥
His administration had a black cloud from day one. His vice president, William King, was inaugurated in Cuba where he was trying to recuperate from tuberculosis but died just 45 days after Pierce became president.
Which definitely had a big effect on James Buchanan as it was extremely likely they were lovers
@@TimmyTheTinmanwhy do we try and tarnish men’s reputations by claiming they were homosexual with no proof?
As a resident of New Hampshire I have long been aware of the general history and unkind adjectives used to describe Franklin Pierce's presidency. Even when I toured the "Pierce Mansion" and took the tour offered there, not much more than a thumbnail sketch of the Pierce story was presented. This presentation has opened my eyes to the man, the times and the external factors that molded our 14th President. Thank you for a comprehensive and detailed lesson concerning a man that history has seemed to kicked to the side of the road and chosen to ignore. I applaud your efforts.
rest in peace franklin pierce, you would’ve loved Elliott Smith
This comment right here
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Although rare, there were at least 5 law schools in the US in 1825: William & Mary (1779), Litchfield (independent, 1784) Transylvania University in Kentucky (1799), Harvard (1817). Yale's would open in 1826.
What a story. I was unaware of at least half, probably more. You speak clearly and at an appropriate pace. Vid deserves more than 121 likes over the course of 4 months.
It's 3,400 now!
How about 3.4k likes? Quite an increase from when you commented only 2 weeks ago.
I love the way you present history - first as a cohesive story and then as a nuanced, profound look on the broad context. That's how it should be done and thought. Thanks, and keep it up! Greetings from Bulgaria!
To be honest, I didn’t know why Franklin Pierce was nominated, and we mostly just know him as a failure of a president who was an enormous alcoholic. This video made it clearer why he drank so much.
With James Buchanan after him being far worse, Pierce just gets overlooked even by people interested in our history.
Very well said! Munger consistently hits it out of the park with nuance contextualizing his analysis. Huzzahs!
To quote one of our foremost intellectuals, “To much opinionated commentary.”
As much as I despise Andrew Jackson, it kinda makes sense now why he turned into the murderous animal he was. Getting imprisoned and tortured by a bunch of grown male killers when you’re 13 will give you a mean case of PSTD.
Thank you for this thorough, provocative, and profoundly insightful lesson. Keep it up!
My heart goes out to his wife. As a mother myself I cannot imagine losing all of my children. 😭😭😭
Pierce kin here. Thousands out there related to this President and W, and don't even know it. Thanks for this! Always tell folks, if you'd had his life, you'd get drunk too.
I'm a Pierce kin too. You're absolutely right. The man outlived all of his children and his wife. He only lived 64 years and went through far more than most humans ever should have to do. Imagine getting elected President of the United States then having your last remaining child get killed in a train wreck right before your inauguration. He endured a LOT.
Just finished. I have profound sadness and want to mention Pierce more often when conversation brings up forgotten presidents. What an intense timeline.
Ooooh just when I thought I found all the good history channels the algorithm blesses me with this gem. Well done sir, it blows my mind how you don’t have more subscribers.
This is one of the best in depth presentations of one of the most obscure and ineffective presidents I have ever viewed. No one ever speaks of this man. Most historical studios of the presidents skip over him or make
very brief comment. Even books are hard to find on him. His life was plagued with mistakes. His marriage to his polar opposite was his biggest mistake however there were many others not the least of which was the demon in the bottle. People overlook him in study not realizing that with him, along with a string of other weak presidents between Jackson and Lincoln , contributed to one of the greatest disasters in America history. You have covered this topic so well. I encourage you to do more presentations on weak and ineffective leaders of that era.
Thank you Sean Munger, for bringing this mostly untold chapter of History to us.
I have learned more about the nuances of Pre-Civil War History from you.
Franklin Pierce was a truly tragic person, in an era of approaching massive tragedy.
I could only dream that an individual like Sean Munger would come along and provide a deep dive such as this on one of my favorite Presidents to study. Due to the severe lack of analysis and reporting on many mid to late 19th century presidents, I would love to see Mr. Munger take on the mantle as the one who shall fill that void.
A great historian to follow in that regard is Heather Cox Richardson. Her YT playlist “The history of the Republican Party” is absolutely fascinating.
Stumbled on this channel recently and…
Yup, I’m already hooked.
Greetings from the 🇬🇧
A thoughtful and thorough examination of a tragic man who lead an equally tragic life. Missed opportunities. I can just imagine his hangovers. This incredible work of our history is great. The speaker has his act together and thank you for the details of this remarkable time in U.S. history.
A documentary on FRANKLIN PIERCE just drew me in and captivated for almost TWO hours?!?! This is unreal! 🤯
I am amazed at the fact that you answer my questions before you finish the thought. You are awesome in delivery, facts, and completion. I can not say enough nice things about you. Thank you.
Leona Chapman
The loss of all his children, the troubled relationship with his wife --- all tragedies, that distracted Pierce from effectively governing. His heavy drinking became increasingly dominant in both his life & Presidency.
Obviously, a man in torment. A most depressing life.
Dear Sean!!!! I have been studying the presidents alll my life and I just want to say that your deep and thorough report and personal documentary was just what I was looking for. I have been doing a study on the presidents because it's Election season and I couldnt find a documentary on Franklin Pierce. At least ones that arent AI driven or a talking computer that reads from Wikipedia. Next I will be doing James Buchanan, but I just wanted to say I LOVED YOUR DOCUMENTARY and I watched the whole thing in one night and even did my own research and learned more about the "Kansas-Nebraska Act" and "Bleeding Kansas"...It also hit pretty close because my cousin right now is dying of alcoholism and cirrhosis and it's really horrible watching him cough up blood and witness him dying. How can the MOST POWERFUL MAN IN THE WORLD die alone in his own dark world? Again, thank you for making this and I greatly enjoyed!!!!❤🤍💙🍹
Bravo! Congratulations on providing us with an in depth bio on Pierce and the heartbeat of the men and women of this time in our history! You took this story out of the history books and gave us a visual dimension with all those worm holes! Great video!
Wow good history content. No click bait or flashiness. You just made a new fan!
Thanks so much!
I loved this video, watched it all the way through with only one potty break! I love how you tied in the man and his presidency with the political shenanigans of the time. Please, please do more on other presidents, especially those ones you identified of the same time period, 1830- after the Civil War. I don't know much about that time period, would like to know more.
Hey, I love this deep dive stuff. Awesome video, keep it up!
You're amazing with the details I didn't know about FP being in the war. Thanks also for WS being in battle with ZT. He was so tight with money that he wouldn't pick up the nomination bc of the Whig party failure to put postage. ZT is my 6th GRANDFATHER. RIP ZACHARY & FRANKLIN
I'm Autisitc enough to appretciate this video. its brought to light details about this president that I never knew. Thank you for the work, and dedication you put into making this video. you are subscribed, and I look forward to seeing more of your content. Keep up the good work
Another great video!! So glad I found your channel!
If I could suggest two another Presidents for an in depth video: Chester Allen Arthur, a corrupt politician who signed into law Civil Service Reform
The other is Rutherford B. Hayes, the winner of the closest U.S. presidential election who became a hero in Paraguay.
Can you just do every president plz? 🙏
I love this level of quality. The last i heard like this was Hell of Presidents
I am related in some way to Franklin Pierce, my great grandmother was a Pierce. I've not yet been able to determine the exact connection. As a child it was a source of pride to brag I was related to a president but as I learned more about him I became less likely to mention the connection. Thank you for this perspective. It helped me to find the humanity in Pierce and embrace the relationship- though I doubt I will ever again brag of it.
I actually love this video. Good information on Franklin Pierce is so rare. I became a bit obsessed with learning about him a few months ago, and the only reliable information I could get on him was from the special collections from my university library. I find Pierce one of the most fascinating presidents personally as everything about him seems so contradictory. I'm so glad to see other people out there interested in Pierce and willing to give such a thorough look into his life and times.
I love presidential history, but I’ve never looked into the life of Franklin Pierce much at all. Thank you for this insightful journey into his life. I look forward to hearing more of your studies in presidential history.
What a great history episode. Too good to take your advice and break it up into chapters. I'm going to have to check out Your other work.
I heard of Pierce only as the can kicker on slavery. It was great to dig deeper into his role in the events and and politics of his time. He was not just ineffective, but terrible and a tragic example of the terrible things things when short sighted people are able to succeed politic to roles where they're incompetence does real damage.
Him and Buchanon kind of remind me of Paul Ryan & Kevin McCarthy, handing off one short slighted almost willfully blind schemer to the next, each suffering from the Dunning-Krueger Effect.
Excellent comprehensive history lesson.
I like your tangential forays coming back to nail a point.
Well organized ,easy to follow your steady pace.
Looking forward to more history lessons from you.
This is an interesting and fascinating channel. Your topics have completely captivated me, and now I'm swimming in your your waters. Thank you.
Sean, this is really interesting. I appreciate the inclusion of the side stories too. It adds context. Thank you for making this segment of history so interesting.
President Pierce is on my list. That is, that long list of accomplished, successful, wealthy, famous and so many others that have drank themselves to death (Decompensating Cirrhosis). That list is ever growing and now includes several people I love.
Great video, it’s refreshing to view a historical piece with meat on its bones. As a history buff, I’ve seen the surface level skimming over of this period of American history. It’s refreshing to hear about the political ploys and culture of this time period. I don’t understand Pierce’s wife, it seems like a selfish move to insist pierce quit his profession just so you don’t have to socialize.
I absolutely adore your long in depth videos, and everything else you do.
This video is fantastically well researched and insightfull!
With kind regards
Thomas
Fantastic doc. I find myself wishing you did one of these on Buchanan and his presidency.
Sean, well done! I have read at least 1 biography on our presidents as well as oodles of history, and I just was so appreciative of your approach towards Pierce. Great insight on the generational change in politics; and humor was appreciated. Pierce was a real nebbish. But I always wondered what those conversations were between his 'good friend' Jeff Davis and Pierce, who was clearly in an emotionally weakened condition. Whatever moral fiber or discernment Pierce might have had I am sure was eroded/undone by Jeff D.
Sean, this is my favorite video. It was so informative and super entertaining. I learned so much and I love how you go deep into a singular topic and branch out exploring super interesting details that give us a better idea of what things looked like in that time period. I absolutely appreciate your video. Thank you and I look forward to more of your videos of your deep dive into history.
"Alcohol sodden" lends a greater depth to the fictional character Benjamin Franklin ("Hawkeye") Pierce than I'd heretofore realized. Thanks for this, so far, and I'll likely be back with additional comments as I make my way through chapter by chapter. But first...
M I N D B L O W N ! ! !
I not only didn't know Hawkeye's full name but I also didn't get the reference you put up till I read it. OUTSTANDING insight on an already amazing video. Bravo.
This is extremely well done. I couldn’t have hit the subscribe button faster. I can’t wait to watch the other deep dives!
Thank you for your in depth look at Franklin Pierce. It has been 50+ years since my three semester US History course in High School and your video explained much of the political tensions leading to the Civil war that I have forgotten.
On a different note, I have a better appreciation why Richard Hooker who wrote M*A*S*H named the main character Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce.
This video is outstanding and very interesting. I enjoyed the details and the supporting visuals were easy to understand. Thank you for the research, organization, and excellent delivery of the content.
Mr. Munger,
I just got done watching your 1924 Democratic national convention 16 weeks absolutely astonishing! As someone who prides themselves on American history, I was simply amazed at how much insight and context you gave to the delightful and insightful deluge. I wish so badly that you were my historian while I was going to school. I am learning way more from you online for free than I did spending over $60,000 on an education in college. Thank you sir, for your dedication to the history of art politics, and the American Historical society by and large. It’s because of those like you that give me hope we can make a brighter, more progressive, and just society. I know you will probably never see this, but thank you from the bottom of my heart I appreciate every uttered comment.
I did see this, and thank you!
Franklin Pierce, the President best known for having a television character named after him 120 years after his Presidentcy...
Please elaborate. You’ve got me curious.
@@jpmnkyme too. Is it Franklin from Peanuts fame? That is my best guess. The little black dude for those that don't know.
BTW, Peanuts were from the "funny pages" before making it to TV in the mid '60s.
I'm so glad I discovered your channel today! Educational and witty and enlightening! Thank you! 😊
You should be acknowledged and awarded for your thoroughly gifted contribution to American history. Well done🎉
Very interesting video. I am surprised you didn’t mention the impact of Hawthorne’s best selling bio of Pierce in increasing Pierce’s national name recognition and ultimately increasing support for his Presidential campaign.
Thank you for all the work you do.
Sean Munger, you are the man! I thoroughly enjoy your sharing these in depth history documentaries that provide so
much additional information. You prove here that you can make an obscure subject thoroughly enjoyable to learn about.
You’re a wonderful storyteller. Thank you for this!
Kudos Mr. Munger for creating this thoroughly edifying and entertaining historical video.
Imo, this is the way American history should be taught and learned!
Of course it hasn’t been and probably will never be taught or explained this way, our loss as usual.
You’ve done a remarkable job of explicating Franklin Pierce and the historical era that formed him, as well as putting that history in its proper context.
And it was fun to watch!
Thank you for doing the research and putting this project together! Your videos make my work days go by so much quicker love the style
Exceptionally captivating and concise intro. This channel has been such a great find, this guy truly does not miss and the writing/oration skills from his legal education really shine through in the script.
I really enjoyed the history lesson, and learned so much. Thank you for providing such content.
I like all your work but I love these long form videos and learning all the ephemera of the time, like how the election cycle worked. Thanks!
Listened all the way through in one sitting. Really liked the graph of the revolutionaries.
Esteemed colleague, greetings from Belgrade. Your lectures are so pleasing, that you invigorated my interest in American history. Keep doing the good job 👍 👍👍
Sean Munger, you, sir, are a genius, a walking history book. May the next generation produce many such knowledgeable people like you.
This was fascinating - love the level of detail and work you put into it. I’m commonly disappointed in “History Channel” (shallow exploration of a topic) stuff, and this video hits my sweet spot of detail and depth. I’m a new subscriber to your channel as a result, and I can’t wait to go through your archive!
I really love your overviews. These are so well done. Thank you!
been going through your catalog of videos, thank you. Long format deep dives that are full of great information. Truly thank you
I probably learned all the presidents before I was 10, and yet I didn't know the train story until 10 years or so ago, when I was turning 30. It's amazing how squeamish people are. You'd think that train wreck would be the center of EVERY Pierce biography. It is very rare to open any book of presidents and see it mentioned AT ALL. Pierce wasn't a good president, but I think everyone should know this story before they judge him. You rarely hear the story about the son of the 9th president/father of the 23rd president, either. Of course, that's more lurid than instructive.
Kudos to you for creating a fair and complete video about Pierce.
Think I just stumbled on my new favorite historian RUclipsr!
Excellent. Love the expalnations,conexions and the overall pace of the presentation. What an interesting piece of History. I agree with you, we learn a lot more from the failures than from the successes and Pierce's story dissects such a rich and complicated period in the US' history, seldom visited by historians. Thanks.
Jeez. Every time it can't possibly get sadder it does. Poor Pierce. Abolitionist or not, you wouldn't wish that life on anyone.
Mr. Munger, you've gotten me through a lot of Massachusetts rush hour traffic. Your Iran Contra video was my first and very fascinating
I am so happy I found your channel. So very informative and at times hilariously funny which is what I needed. Laughter. Thank you. Looking forward to binge watching your videos. 😊
And there’s a lot of gaps in my knowledge of American history. Period between 1818 59 before the Civil War is strangely fascinating. You did a thorough and complete job as far as I can tell. I am very impressive would like to see more.
Love the videos - you snould consider turnjng down the sound effect volume though (at keast 10 dB)
Stellar presentation! I learned a lot. Thanks for this!
This was truly fantastic, thank you for this
I wish someone like you would make a video like this just on the history of abolition/abolitionist, it's so underdeveloped as a topic for something that is such a massive part of american history
Rewatching some older videos, I've developed a sort of sick nostalgia for the clown horn sound effect. What have I become?
In the UK students will say, "I'm reading law" or "I'm reading medicine", even today.
Another fantastic video! The way you tell stories of history is so cohesive and interesting. This channel is everything I’ve ever wanted.
I would love to hear more about what you say is your unpopular opinion of the founding fathers and abolishing slavery.
Great video. I live in a small town in Southern NH where Franklin Pierce attended a private academy and where Levi Woodbury was born. I enjoyed the discussion of NH politics in that era and thought you did a wonderful job of intermixing the story of his personal and political lives, and in placing his failed presidency the context of the major events of the 1850s that led up to the Civil War. It was a very informative story and well told.
I watched this again, all in one sitting.
23:42 When I saw "Quincy" on the screen, even though this is the first I've heard of you and the first video I've seen, somehow I already knew you would pronounce it correctly. Your presentation made clear so far you're legit!
Thanks! Some people have disputed that pronunciation, but I know it's correct as it was told to me by someone from there, a local.
Excellent work!
OMG!!!
I just watched in entirety (2) of your videos.
Garfield and Pierce.
Where's my diploma already?
I cheated.
I watched them at 1.25 speed.
This was fantastic, just the rabbit hole I didn’t know I needed. Very interesting two hours of content about a tragic, overlooked character.
My favorite part is when you put aside some broader trends, it really helps put into perspective what the times people were living in, well done!
Excellent work. Thank you!
This is one of my comfort videos now. You have a very nice presentation style
WOW! I think I’d have liked history if you had been my teacher! Sadly, none of my history teachers made the subject interesting. A wonderful video! (I will certainly subscribe) Having been raised in NH and lived in Concord, I knew precious little about our only president. My father, whose passion was history, sadly informed me that he was not a good president and I finally understand why. Although, I doubt the assessment of “Worst US President” will hold much longer! I look forward to learning more from you. I would love a deep dive into the horrific Trail of Tears. Another on Hannah Dustin.
I wish my father could have seen this. He died not knowing we had an ancestor on the Mayflower or that we are related to Benjamin Franklin. Genealogy is how my interest in history got started.
❤ Shirley Kathan-Sayess
Have you checked to see if you are a daughter of the revolution? I'm looking in my ancestry to see if we are.
very good video.. begging a bit too long, some stuff could be edited.. but overall really informative..best i've seen on someone nobody ever discusses..
Thank you for this wonderful presentation on an oft-overlooked man in American History. Tremendous job giving us every aspect and historical context rather than giving us a simple biographical summation.
This is a fantastic review of President Pierce.... I want to see more from you on other presidents!
Thank yo for this I moved to New Hampshire 20 years ago and have lived in my house on Franklin Pierce Hwy for the last 7 years. One of my closest friends lives in Amherst. You’ve taught me so much about this adored son of NH.
He was actually born in a cabin, the site of which is now at the bottom of Pierce Lake. His sister Elizabeth stepped in when Jane was unable to act as hostess at the White House. Such a sad story.... I wonder what kind of president he might have been if he hadn't had so much tragedy. Oh, and his father's birthday was Christmas day and Pierce was the first President to have a Christmas tree in the White House.
In the 1840s, Prince Albert brought Christmas trees from Germany to England and soon everyone around the world started having them.
Respect for that intensive history research and such smart presentation
I do hope you do more deep dives like this episode. I really enjoyed it. Thank you❤
Thank you for this in depth report. I think there is a lot to be learned from examining Franklin Pierce’s life. It’s almost like he was unprepared for what he attempted to accomplish. Very thought provoking.