Studies On Daniel Webster's Nationalism Thought

Daniel Webster (January 18, 1782– October 25, 1852) was a notable American statesman,famous orator and leading constitutional lawyer of first half of the 19th century. Highly thought of but controversial, his nationalism thought as well as his own deeply influenced the development process of American history.The first half of the 19th century witnessed the dramatically change in American history. The victory of the War of Independence and"1787 Constitution"did not promise the United States a smooth development of capital. The united states faced difficulties domestically and internationally: At home, party politics formatted, partisan struggle became increasingly fierce, the political life was uncertain; Slave-holding states in Southern became dissatisfied of federal government's policy, and with the introduction of Nullification, south Carolina and other states once threatened the United States to withdraw the unity of the nation; On the issue of black slavery, the northern commercial and industrial capitalists had to compromise to the southern plantation slave owners once and again, this can not fundamentally solve the problem of slavery, and a huge crisis hided behind the compromises. In foreign relations, relations between the United States and Britain gradually deteriorated, resulting in the outbreak of the second American and British war in 1812. Webster's nationalism thought had met the needs of the era and gave the answer to the problem needed to be solved in the United States during this period, which had made great contribution to maintain the federal unified and complete and promote the economic prosperity of the country. Webster's nationalism thought mainly required to defend the federal central government, guarantee the authority of the constitution and protect the freedom and democracy thoughts of constitutionalism; Opposed to the advocate of states'rights, resolutely safeguard federal unified and complete; Opposed to black slavery, while advocated using a moderate approach instead of violence way to solve this problem, and subordinated to the federal unified needs; Supported Henry Clay's"American system"theory.Throughout his whole life, no mater as a statesman or a layer, Webster always followed the historical trend and his views and thoughts always subject to the safeguarding of national unity and independence. Under the domination of such a strong nationalistic feelings, he devoted his life to the unity and independence of his country. Dartmouth College v. Woodward case, McCulloch v. Maryland case, Webster - Hayne debate and supported through the "Compromise of 1850" reflected the nationalistic views of Webster.Webster's nationalism thought had the characteristics of realistic, conservative and predictable. On the one hand, his nationalism thought and practice was conducive to maintaining the integrity of the Union, promoting the development of American industry and commerce; On the other hand, Webster's image was too closely with the city's wealthy industrialists in Northeast, and Webster opposed to innovation and the expansion of people's power, which was caused by controversial side. But we should see, Webster's nationalism thought played a major role in promoting of the political and economic development of the United States. It had followed the historical trend and should be affirmed.