Review
Lewis Cass was a significant player in American politics, from the Arron Burr conspiracy during Thomas Jefferson's presidency, through the Trent Affair of the Lincoln administration. During his career, he served as a prosecuting attorney, state legislator, federal marshal, army officer, territorial governor, secretary of war, minister to France, United States senator, and secretary of state. More than any other individual, Cass was responsible for the growth of Michigan from a frontier territory to the threshold of statehood. A vehement opponent of slavery, Cass supported the right of citizens in each state or territory to decide the question for themselves and is therefore known as the "father of popular sovereignty". Willard Klunder's biography of Lewis Cass presents a balanced and insightful look into the character and career of this significant 19th-century politician. Lewis Cass emerges as a bright symbol of antebellum nationalism and political moderation. Lewis Cass And The Politics Of Moderation throws considerable light on pre-Civil War American political history. Here is an engaging biography, a window on the times and events that shaped our nation as demonstrated in the life and thought of Lewis Cass. -- Midwest Book Review
