Lewis Cass and the politics of moderation / Willard Carl Klunder.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Klunder, Willard Carl, 1947-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Cass, Lewis, 1782-1866.

Cass, Lewis.

Governors--Michigan--Biography.

Governors.

Statesmen--United States--Biography.

Statesmen.

Michigan Territory--Politics and government.

Michigan Territory.

United States--Politics and government--1783-1865.

United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (465 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Kent, Ohio : Kent State University Press, 1996.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Drawing upon Lewis Cass's voluminous private papers, correspondence, and published works, Willard Carl Klunder provides the first comprehensive biography of the man who was the Democratic spokesman for the Old Northwest for more than half a century. A champion of spread-eagle expansionism and an ardent nationalist, Cass subscribed tot he Jeffersonian political philosophy, embracing the principles of individual liberty; the sovereignty of the people; equality of rights and opportunities for all citizens; and a strictly construed and balanced constitutional government of limited powers. Cass was a significant player in American politics, from the Burr conspiracy during Thomas Jefferson's presidency, through the Trent affair of the Lincoln administration. During his career, he served as a prosecuting attorney, state legislator, federal marshal, army officer, territorial governor, secretary of war, minister to France, United States senator, and secretary of state. More than any other individual, he was responsible for the growth of Michigan from a frontier territory to the threshold of statehood. Aptly names the "father of popular sovereignty," Cass championed this doctrine that provided an expedient solution to the volatile question of slavery expansion for a decade. A vehement opponent of slavery, Cass supported the right of citizens in each state or territory to decide the question for themselves. Klunder presents a balanced and insightful look into the character and career of this significant 19th century Michigan politician. Lewis Cass emerges as a bright symbol of antebellum nationalism and political moderation. Lewis Cass and the Politics of Moderation will be of interest to anyone concerned with American biography, White-Indian relations, and the coming of the Civil War.

Contents:

Cover

Copyright

Contents

Preface

Introduction

Chapter One: Youth and Soldier (1782-1813): "I Saw the Constitution Born

Chapter Two: Governor of Michigan Territory (1813-1831): ''A More Consummate Politician ... Will Rarely Be Found

Chapter Three: Secretary of War (1831-1836): ''An Amiable Talented Man

Chapter Four: Minister to France (1836-1842): "I Have Presumed that I Express the Feelings of the American Government and People

Chapter Five: Candidate for the Presidential Nomination (1842-1844): "The Best Man, Undoubtedly, for the Democrats

Chapter Six: United States Senator (1845-1848): "In These Great Questions of National Bearing, I Acknowledge No Geographical Claims

Chapter Seven: Democratic Presidential Candidate (1848): ''A Statesman Renowned for His Patience, Wisdom, and Energy

Chapter Eight: The Presidential Election of 1848: "The Election of Gen. Cass is Certain-but That of Gen. Taylor a Leetle More So

Chapter Nine: United States Senator (1849-1857): "Life Is a Compromise ... From the Cradle to the Grave

Chapter Ten: Secretary of State and Union Advocate (1857-1866): "I Am Sometimes Filled with Apprehension ... I May Yet Outlive the Union and Constitution ofMy Country

Epilogue

Abbreviations

Notes

Bibliography

Index.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references (p. 359-405) and index.

ISBN:

1-61277-115-7

0-585-23767-0