As early as 1842 Garrison advanced the idea of disunion; arguing that the Constitution was "a covenant with death." Distressed by Calhoun's signing of the annexation treaty for Texas; he prophesied that civil war was inevitable. Though plagued by illness and death in his immediate family throughout the years covered in this volume; Garrison drove himself to win supporters for the radical abolitionist cause. In 1846 he traveled to Great Britain; denouncing the Free Church of Scotland for accepting funds from South Carolina. While in England he lectured often with Frederick Douglass; the two embarked the following year on a grueling lecture tour of the western United States; heretofore the exclusive domain of moderate abolitionists. In 1848; despite the objections of close friends; Garrison held the controversial Anti-Sabbath Convention in Boston. Throughout these years he continued to write extensively for the Liberator and involved himself in a variety of liberal causes; in 1849 he publicized and circulated in Massachusetts the earliest petition for women's suffrage.
#791921 in Books 2014-10-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.76 x 1.35 x 5.72l; .0 #File Name: 0674368088432 pages
Review
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful. He Planted the Tree of LibertyBy Christian SchlectA well-written; thoughtful book on the public life of John Quincy Adams. Although a failed president and a difficult man; Adams career; taken in its entirety; places him as one of our country's foremost statesmen.Professor Edel clearly lays out the evolving strategy that drove JQA to protect our country from foreign entanglements; promote domestic improvements; and enhance federal power. And; most importantly; to stay in the fight to the last breath against the Southern slave power.JQA laid the theoretical groundwork upon which; a few decades later; Abraham Lincoln triumphed.This book should win prizes.13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book bridging the evolution of political thought in early AmericaBy Anthony L Allou IIIA thoughtful; thoroughly researched look at an early American strategic thinker and the experiences and education that influenced his vision. Professor Edel depicts the struggles of a leader forced to bridge the span between the varied political philosophies of the founders and the realities of the forces those philosophies put into motion. John Quincy Adams was confident in his vision to keep America vibrant and growing as it matured politically; economically; and militarily. However; he did not possess the political genius to successfully implement that vision. The first three chapters of the book are foundational in describing Adams development as a strategic thinker; and setting the stage for the culmination of his career as an American leader as the President and in Congress.I thought Chapter Four ("The Spirit of Improvement") was an excellent summary of the failures of his one term as President. His inability to come to terms with the dynamics of a more fully enfranchised population and the Congress elected by it are well argued. Adams spent most of his life preparing himself intellectually and practically for the Presidency; but never cultivated the capacity for compromise or organizational skill needed to succeed in a political environment where his opponents outnumbered his allies. I cannot help but think this is an area ripe for further exploration; especially in light of the dynamics of American politics over the course of the past decade or more.I truly appreciated Chapter Five (“A Stain Upon the Character of the Nationâ€) as a tribute to Adams perseverance after the letdowns of his Presidency. It is in his post-Presidential career where his moral strength and clarity of thought best served the country; and the line of reasoning in this chapter allows the reader to understand Adams impact on the course of the nation long after his death. Professor Edel is at his best illuminating Adams assessment of the effects of slavery on the country’s domestic and foreign policy; including Adams analysis of the impending struggle to dismantle the institution. Adams ability to take the long view politically and morally at the end of his career stands in stark contrast to the disappointments of his Presidency.A fine read; I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the early development of political thought in the country; the tremendous influences on political leaders in that time; and certainly for those who want to gain insight into the actions of a little known yet highly influential American.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An insightful lens into the strategic thinking behind America's rise; through one of its central architectsBy Nikhil PatelThe rise of America as a continental power; ready to reengage the world; is too often described as the product of vague historical forces; without due regard to its architects. In turn; John Quincy Adams remains an obscure figure in American memory; his importance to America's survival and success poorly understood."Nation Builder" makes great strides in addressing both of these issues. It is at once a thoughtful exploration of John Quincy Adams the man; with a nuanced understanding of how his outlook and temperament evolved over the course of his public life; and a consideration of the degree to which America's rise was the product of a "grand strategy" rather than being a historical inevitability unaffected by leadership.Edel has written a rich; sometimes dense; but always intelligent book. If you are interested in JQA or the strategic challenges of the early American Republic; it is worth a read!
