Calhoun: American Heretic by Robert Elder

A Provocative and Compelling Examination of a Controversial Figure

In his acclaimed biography, Calhoun: American Heretic, renowned historian Robert Elder paints a vivid and nuanced portrait of John C. Calhoun, a towering figure in American history whose controversial ideas and unwavering defense of states' rights shaped the course of the nation.

Calhoun: American Heretic

by Robert Elder

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2890 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	657 pages

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Elder delves deeply into Calhoun's complex character, exploring his intellectual journey from a humble South Carolinian to one of the most influential statesmen of his era. Through meticulous research and analysis, the author unravels the paradoxes that defined Calhoun, who was both a brilliant orator and a ruthless defender of slavery.

The Rise of a Southern Statesman

Born into a wealthy South Carolina family in 1782, Calhoun rose rapidly through the ranks of American politics. As a young man, he served as a congressman and then Secretary of War under President James Monroe. In 1824, he was elected vice president, a position he held for eight years before resigning to become a senator from South Carolina.

Throughout his career, Calhoun emerged as a fierce advocate for states' rights and a staunch defender of slavery. He vehemently opposed federal tariffs and other policies that he believed encroached upon the sovereignty of individual states. His fiery speeches and passionate debates in Congress made him a polarizing figure, but also earned him a devoted following in the South.

The Nullification Crisis and the Road to Secession

Calhoun's most controversial act was his support for the doctrine of nullification, which asserted that states had the right to nullify federal laws that they deemed unconstitutional. In 1832, South Carolina attempted to nullify the federal tariff, leading to a standoff with President Andrew Jackson that nearly resulted in war.

Calhoun played a central role in defusing the crisis, but his views on nullification and secession continued to fuel the growing sectional tensions between the North and the South. As the debate over slavery intensified, Calhoun became increasingly convinced that the preservation of Southern rights required secession from the Union.

A Legacy of Controversy and Influence

Calhoun served as vice president to President John Tyler from 1845 to 1849. However, his failing health prevented him from playing a major role in the administration. He died in 1850, just a year before the outbreak of the Civil War.

Calhoun's legacy remains deeply contested today. Some scholars view him as a visionary statesman who defended the rights of states against an encroaching federal government. Others condemn him as a racist and a traitor who helped lay the groundwork for the Civil War.

Calhoun: American Heretic provides a comprehensive and balanced assessment of this complex figure. Elder's incisive analysis and vivid storytelling illuminate the contradictions that defined Calhoun, shedding new light on his motivations and the profound impact he had on American history.

Critical Acclaim for Calhoun: American Heretic

"Elder's biography of Calhoun is a masterpiece, a must-read for anyone seeking to understand this enigmatic and controversial figure." - James McPherson, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian

"A brilliant and meticulously researched work that offers a fresh perspective on Calhoun's ideas and the tumultuous era in which he lived." - Drew Gilpin Faust, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian

"Elder's lucid prose and careful scholarship bring Calhoun to life, revealing the complexities of his character and the enduring relevance of his debates over federalism and slavery." - David M. Potter, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian

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Calhoun: American Heretic

by Robert Elder

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2890 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	657 pages

FREE