America's Great Debate: Henry Clay, Stephen A. Douglas, and the Compromise That Preserved the Union

I've read other works (books and articles) by Fergus Bordewich.

I've read other works (books and articles) by Fergus Bordewich. All are interesting, informative, easy to read, and easy to understand. America's Great Debate … is no exception.

A great book !!! Very well researched and documented with 61 pages of notes, 16 pages of black and white photographs, and two very helpful maps.

I learned so much. Not only about the Compromise of 1850 but also about an era that I somewhat took for granted. Bordewich does a magnificent job describing individuals and events. He frequently enhances his anecdotal material with informative (and amusing) parenthetical explanations. The working of the House and Senate during the antebellum period is well described --- particularly in Chapter 23, The Omnibus Overturned. Some sections could stand alone for future publications. I look forward to interesting and informative magazine articles by Bordewich.

Bordewich makes a convincing case that absent the Compromise, the 15 Slave States could have (and were so inclined) to pull off secession; thereby creating a precedent for two or three or more “copy cat” breakaway nations. The 1850 Compromise effectively bought time (through April 1861) for the developing American republic.

America's Great Debate … is most informative and enjoyable not only to amateur historians like me, but also to professional historians, public servants, teachers, and many others.

I spent a good portion of my 32+ year Federal career as a training officer teaching, developing, and administering courses in public policy --- mostly in the area of finance and accounting. My university training was accounting. Fortunately, I also acquired solid background in history and public policy, which benefited me tremendously in the classroom and in course development. Had America's Great Debate … been available I would have strongly recommended them as excellent background to my instructors.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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This is a great story about a very critical time in our shared h

This is a great story about a very critical time in our shared history. Bordewich does a good job portraying the involved individuals and setting the scene. This is a very readable book on what some might consider a dry subject. It reminds us that when we are tempted to say that our current political situation is dysfunctional and in crisis, maybe we should re-visit history before being quite so vituperative. If we are currently in crisis we would can at least take some solace in recognizing that this is not the first (nor the last) time. Highly recommend this book.

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Tuck

I am one, while reading a book, who writes notes and uses a highlighter. More than one marker will be needed before this book is finished. Antebellum at its best. Worth every penny.

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Accessible history.

A thorough treatment of the subject matter, yet easy to read and appreciate. This book brings the players of the 1850 compromise to life. It is worth the time invested.

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