Indivisible

Daniel Webster and the Birth of American Nationalism

By: Joel Richard Paul

Narrated by: Fred Sanders

Length: 21 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

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 US 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.

©2022 Joel Richard Paul (P)2022 Penguin Audio

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.

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.

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

Biased and Unfocused

A biased, vapid, and meandering book that neither enlightens nor informs about the supposed subject; Daniel Webster. The author clearly thinks that the reader is more interested in his thoroughly unoriginal and banal commentary, than the historical figure on the cover. Even the thesis of the book is sloppily conceived and poorly articulated. A tour de force in how not to write a history book—or any book for that matter.

Author very biased

I've read a lot on this period of history--one of my favorites periods. This author presented an anti-American, biased and one-sided view of the period. I especially resented his introduction. H.W. Brands', "The Heirs of the Founders" is the best book I've listened to that covers the same material. For example, most all people would agree that the Trail of Tears was a terrible event in our history (as well as slavery, of course). Brands discusses the subjects in much greater detail trying to show all sides to the issue. If you are a Liberal, you will like this book. I did not. The narration was professional and enjoyable.