Washington Brotherhood Book Review

Washington Brotherhood Book Review

        Historiography often takes the approach of focusing on the issues of slavery, political tension, and sectionalism when discussing Washington during the antebellum time period. To add to the subject Rachel A. Shelden put together a study of the personal relationships and the culture of politics in Washington during the years surrounding the Civil War. Thorough research educates readers how life outside the political walls of the Senate and House of Representatives influenced the decision making in antebellum Washington. Through this Shelden creates an argument that the “social and cultural life in the mid-nineteenth century was a critical part in the way that politicians engaged with the sectional and ideological struggles of the antebellum era” (2).

        Shelden began writing with an introduction titled, “The Washington Fraternity in the Mid-Nineteenth Century”. She opened by mentioning how social interactions shaped the decision-making in the capital. Such an assumption is evident in the fact that politicians discussed their work outside the political arena (2-3). Shelden was very clear in her introduction that it is not her intention to take away from the role that sectional identity, economic differences, slavery, or party politics played in this time period. Rather, her objective was to show the vast and complicated society in Washington that helped shape the time period (5-6).

        Shelden’s first chapter, “A Perfect Tower of Babel”, justified her argument through the analysis of the Wilmot Proviso. The chapter began by discussing the anti-slavery Democratic opposition that caused the two million dollar appropriation bill being pushed by Polk to fail (15). David Wilmot would then introduce an amendment known as the “Wilmot Proviso”, which would go “against the establishment of slavery, or involuntary servitude, in any territory which may be acquired” (15). The political culture in Washington was the main reason the Wilmot Proviso to pass so easily (17). Shelden then mentioned the inefficiency of Congress (18). Congressman of the time would often abandon their duties for various reasons, and in turn would affect the outcome of votes (18 & 21). Alcohol also played a role in the inefficiency of Congress, as seen in Shelden’s writing about locations like the Hole in the Wall (23-24). Politicians were also at times corrupt, and even altered speeches to conform to their political constituents (30-31). This conformation is further discussed with the “buncombe” speeches (36). Another problem in Washington was the ranking system that caused older politicians to overshadow the ideals of younger ones (33). Disorganization in Congress provided important context for the Wilmot Proviso to be passed (37). This amendment would play a crucial role for several years to come in politics and sectionalism (39).

        “Odd Fellows, Teetotalers, and Young Indians”, Shelden’s second chapter, discussed the various political organizations within Washington. The chapter began with Lincoln discussing “Spot Resolutions” to oppose the Mexican War (43). His failed influence leads his association with the Young Indian Club, a Whig faction (43-44). Shelden then showed the important roles that associations played in Washington politics (45). The author mentions how associations often times avoided pressing debates, created favoritism, and gave individuals bigger voices to carry out their party’s agendas (46-47). This chapter also showed the background of politicians in the Thirtieth Congress, with the largest group being lawyers (48). Shelden then mentioned religion, and how churches were often filled with mixed sectional views that created social interaction (51-52). The author continued by discussing the American colonization society, as well as fraternal organizations such as the Free Masons (56-60). 1848’s election would also see the election of Taylor as president due to the help of the Young Indian Club (60).  Shelden’s chapter shows how political associations and groups affected the political sphere in Washington. Specifically, this idea was evident in Lincoln’s ties with the Young Indian Club.

        Chapter three, “Behind the Curtain, Where Great Men Relax”, dealt with the Compromise of 1850 through a social lens. The chapter opened with Henry Clay’s failed attempt to please everyone with his “omnibus” bill (65). The bill included eight provisions appealing to both sectional interest (66). The Bill gained little support before failing, and led to Stephen Douglas separating the provisions as a solution (66). Eventually, same solution voting section, party mechanics, and bank lobbyist pressuring politicians allowed the Compromise of 1850 to pass (67-68). The longevity in making a decision allowed for personal visits, balls, levees, and parties to be used as political arenas (70-71). These social events also allowed the wives of politicians to verbalize their political ideals (73). Shelden then mentioned the social weakness of Taylor’s administration playing a role in his lack of support, and the reasoning behind his inability to find a compromise (76). However, Taylor effectiveness can be seen in his use of White House dinners (76). The importance of these events was there cross-sectional attendees, and their creation of political diversification. To highlight this social interaction Shelden discussed William Cochran’s social circle, and how he used it to gain influence (88-93). The chapter’s main point is to show how the social influences affected political legislation, specifically with the Compromise of 1850 being affected by Cochran’s social abilities and the Fillmore administration.