Daniel Webster

Daniel Webster (January 18, 1782 – October 24, 1852) is a leading American statesman and senator from Massachusetts during the period leading up to the Civil War.

He first rises to regional prominence through his defense of New England shipping interests.

Webster's increasingly nationalistic views, and his effectiveness as a speaker, make him one of the most famous orators and influential Whig leaders of the Second Party System.

He is one of the nation's most prominent conservatives, leading opposition to Democrat Andrew Jackson and the Democratic Party.

He is a spokesman for modernization, banking and industry, but not for the common people who compose the base of his enemies in Jacksonian Democracy.

During his 40 years in national politics, Webster serves in the House of Representatives for 10 years (representing New Hampshire), in the Senate for 19 years (representing Massachusetts), and is appointed the Secretary of State under three presidents.

Webster takes part in several key U.S. Supreme Court cases which establish important constitutional precedents that bolster the authority of the federal government.

As Secretary of State, he negotiates the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, which establishes the definitive eastern border between the United States and Canada.

Chiefly recognized for his Senate tenure, Webster is a key figure in the institution's "Golden days".

Webster is considered the Northern member of a trio known as the "Great Triumvirate", with his colleagues Henry Clay from the West (Kentucky) and John C. Calhoun from the South ( South Carolina).

As with his fellow Whig Henry Clay, Webster wants to see the Union preserved and civil war averted.

They both work for compromises to stave off the sectionalism that threatens war between the North and the South.

Webster tries and fails three times to become President of the United States.

In 1957, a Senate Committee selects Webster as one of the five greatest U.S.

Senators with Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, Robert La Follette, and Robert Taft.

No related events match the current filters.