Thirty Years' View (Vol. 1 of 2) or, A History of the Working of the American Government for Thirty Years, from 1820 to 1850

"Thirty Years' View (Vol. 1 of 2)" by Thomas Hart Benton is a historical book that explores the American government's operations between 1820 and 1850. It highlights major congressional discussions and crucial incidents from the author's time as a senator. Benton gives firsthand information on important political happenings and the development of beliefs, specifically concerning slavery, expansion, and how the country was run. He starts by explaining why he wrote the book, hoping to fairly present how the government worked during that time. He retells events from his early life, like receiving an education, entering politics, and assisting with creating new rules, like changes to the court system and the Missouri Compromise. This starting point shows the economic difficulties and political fights of the period, preparing the reader for a more complete study of the effects of government choices and the moral questions raised by debates about slavery.