Chapter 37 Summary and Analysis

"Or Die with the Union" returns to the nullification crisis after briefly describing the election of 1832. Jackson vetoes more bills than his predecessors combined. Clay denounces the president's tyranny and Webster decries his setting up the poor against the rich. Papers speak of business grinding to a halt and "national calamity." Jackson lets them rage, knowing the veto has strengthened his reputation as a champion of the common man. A French visitor so marvels at a political parade that he proclaims democracy is America's "civil religion." Running as a National Republican, Clay has the support of business, most newspapers, the well educated, and others whom Jackson has somehow offended. Jackson and the Democrats claims support from ordinary people who dream of controlling their own destiny. Jackson chooses Van Buren as his running mate, to secure New York and because he admires...