The Ostend Manifesto
​Conflict over Cuba
Key Figures
President Franklin Pierce
The President of the United States from 1853-1857. He was a Democrat who, like most Democrats, supported the South in their defense for slavery against the North. He wanted to finish what President James Polk left undone by purchasing Cuba, expanding the Manifest Destiny (a policy on American expansion) to Cuba to give the South the edge in this conflict.
Pierre Soulé
The leading force and mastermind behind the entire Ostend Manifesto. He is also a supporter of the south and a Democrat. He was the U.S. ambassador to Spain. Soulé felt that it was imperative for the U.S. to gain control of Cuba, as it would clearly give the South the advantage in its conflict with the North. As a result, in his meeting in Ostend, Soulé made sure the U.S. got Cuba no matter what it takes, leading him to threaten Spain should they not sell Cuba.
James Buchanan
The U.S. minister to Great Britain. He was present at the meeting in Ostend, likely because Great Britain was one of the powers that the U.S. did not wish to acquire Cuba. He is also a Democrat and a supporter of the South, which is why he helped Soulé write the Ostend Manifesto.
John Y. Mason
The U.S. minister to France. He was present at the meeting in Ostend, likely because France was another one of the powers that the U.S. did not wish to acquire Cuba. He too is a Democrat and a supporter of the South, which is why he helped Soulé write the Ostend Manifesto.
William L. Marcy
The Secretary of State of the United States during the presidency of Franklin Pierce. Marcy was the one who had given Soulé his order of attempting to purchase Cuba from Spain. However, he had meant for Soulé to attempt to acquire Spain in a politically correct manner. Upon figuring out what Soulé had done in his Ostend Manifesto, Marcy immediately repudiated the manifesto, claiming it a plot to extend slavery in the South (which it was).