The Union as It Is - by Peter B Knupfer (Paperback)

About the Book

Union As It Is: Constitutional Unionism and Sectional Compromise, 1787-1861

Book Synopsis

The first scholar to trace the meaning and importance of the idea of political compromise from the founding of the Republic to the onset of the Civil War, Knupfer shows how recurring justifications of sectional compromise reflected common ideas about the way governments were supposed to work.

Originally published in 1991.

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From the Back Cover

The first scholar to trace the meaning and importance of the idea of political compromise from the founding of the Republic to the onset of the Civil War, Knupfer shows how recurring justifications of sectional compromise reflected common ideas about the way governments were supposed to work.

Review Quotes

""The Union As It Is" reopens a neglected chapter in the history of American political discourse in which the terms 'compromise' and 'moderation' filled the writings and informed the actions of constitutional unionists like Henry Clay, Francis Lieber, and a host of statesmen, publicists, and civic educators. This intelligent, sympathetic, and overdue account of antebellum moderates deserves the attention of historians, political scientists, and other citizens concerned with America's civic culture."--James Farr, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

"An imaginative treatment of a major theme in American political history, displaying wide learning and careful thought. Knupfer has made his mark as a rising historian."--Daniel Walker Howe, University of California, Los Angeles

"This intelligent, sympathetic, and overdue account of antebellum moderates deserves the attention of historians, political scientists, and other citizens concerned with America's civic culture."--James Farr