Question

How did the Webster-Hayne debate fit into the controversy between Jackson and Calhoun? What brought about the debate, what was the major point of disagreement between the two, and what were the arguments advanced?

Answer 1

The Webster-Hayne debate placed the nullification controversy and the competing views of the Union at the center of political discourse in the capital. And for the most part, Jackson's silence was read as tacit approval for the theories of his pro-nullification vice-president. The administration paper, the United States Telegraph, edited by one of Calhoun's relatives, suggested as much. And so finally, Jackson realized that he had to break his silence—and he chose the Jefferson birthday party to do so. Given , Jackson expected the party to be a celebration of states' rights and nullification. And he was right. Speak after speaker, led by Robert Hayne, proclaimed the sovereignty of the states and dangers of an overreaching federal government. And when Jackson had heard enough, he rose and said simply, "Our Union. It must be preserved."

It was a simple statement, but everyone recognized its meaning, especially Calhoun who quickly rose to offer an equally dramatic rebuttal—"The Union, next to our liberties, the most dear." But the president's position was now clear, the lines were drawn, and the fragile alliance forged between Jackson and Calhoun years earlier was now irreparably broken.