Daniel Webster

Webster, Daniel (1782–1852), U.S. politician, lawyer, and orator whose advocacy of strong central government earned him the name “defender of the Constitution.” Early in his career he eloquently defended states' rights and championed New England's interests, first as a New Hampshire member of the House of Representatives (1813–17), and Massachusetts representative (1823–27) and senator (1827–41; 1845–50). As New England's interests changed from shipping to industry, Webster became nationalistic and supported protective tariffs despite his earlier castigation of trade restrictions. His battle against nullification began in 1830 and continued throughout the crisis of 1832–33. In his efforts to preserve the Union, he supported the Compromise of 1850. He was twice secretary of state.