Indivisible

Daniel Webster and the Birth of American Nationalism

By: Joel Richard Paul

Narrated by: Fred Sanders

The story of how Daniel Webster popularized the ideals of American nationalism that helped forge our nation’s identity and inspire Abraham Lincoln to preserve the Union

When the United States was founded in 1776, its citizens didn’t think of themselves as “Americans.” They were New Yorkers or Virginians or Pennsylvanians. It was decades later that the seeds of American nationalism—identifying with one’s own nation and supporting its broader interests—began to take root. But what kind of nationalism should Americans embrace? The state-focused and racist nationalism of Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson? Or the belief that the U.S. Constitution made all Americans one nation, indivisible, which Daniel Webster and others espoused?

In Indivisible, historian and law professor Joel Richard Paul tells the fascinating story of how Webster, a young New Hampshire attorney turned politician, rose to national prominence through his powerful oratory and unwavering belief in the United States and captured the national imagination. In his speeches, on the floors of the House and Senate, in court, and as Secretary of State, Webster argued that the Constitution was not a compact made by states but an expression of the will of all Americans. As the greatest orator of his age, Webster saw his speeches and writings published widely, and his stirring rhetoric convinced Americans to see themselves differently, as a nation bound together by a government of laws, not parochial interests. As these ideas took root, they influenced future leaders, among them Abraham Lincoln, who drew on them to hold the nation together during the Civil War.

As he did in Without Precedent and Unlikely Allies, Joel Richard Paul has written in Indivisible both a compelling history and a fascinating account of one of the founders of our national perspective.

Fascinating and well written

This is a terrific American history book, and it’s very well produced as an audible book. It goes into many fascinating subjects about early 19th century American political history, all while staying interesting and plot driven. I think Joel Paul is one of the very best current popular historians, with a gift for narrative and character development, along with some serious points to make.

Daniel Webster

Interesting to see that nationalism was an important element for public schools education. This included memorizing portions of Daniel Webster’s famous speeches. The extremes of the democratic and republican party would benefit from his wisdom.

BAN THIS BOOK

As a kid growing up in new have ct, my family had some poster with all the presidents, I can remember look at these guys thinking they must have been wonderful fellows. Harrison, Adams, Fillmore, Tyler, Jackson, i can see them now and remember the ignorance i suffered. Clearly i wasn't that interested because if I was I would have known more about these southern slave masters and how they didn't really believe in anything but maintaining their supremacy. This work is so upsetting in a lot of ways, because this anti woke movement seeks to hide the truth told herein. Joel has laid it out and put all the truth before the world claerly and concisely. For all Webster's oratory skills, his sacrifice of the slaves is indivisible from hypocrisy. I hope more people will read this book as the story is quite well done and needs to a part pf critical race theory to be sure!

Timely

Timely
History recycles with the players having different names
Amazing the Republic endures considering the quality of many we chose to lead us

Story filtered thru biased lens

It’s honestly a well written book, but the author tells the story through a presentist perspective. For historical reading, I’d prefer the author keep his contemporary politics out of the retelling of the story…