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 account written in the late 19th century. The work provides a detailed examination of the workings of the American government from 1820 to 1850, focusing on the debates in Congress, personal insights from Benton's senatorial career, and reflections on key events during this formative period in U.S. history. The author shares an insider's perspective on significant political milestones and the evolution of political principles, particularly around issues such as slavery, territorial expansion, and governance. At the start of "Thirty Years' View," the opening portion introduces Thomas Hart Benton's motivations for writing the book, emphasizing his desire to provide justice and insight into the functioning of the government during a critical era. Benton shares personal anecdotes from his early life, including his formative education, political awakening, and contributions to key legislative reforms, such as judicial reforms and the Missouri Compromise. This portion also highlights the prevailing economic distress and political challenges of the time, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the ramifications of government decisions and the moral implications of slavery debates that would shape American society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Thomas Hart Benton, nicknamed "Old Bullion", was an American politician, attorney, soldier, and longtime United States Senator from Missouri. A member of the Democratic Party, he was an architect and champion of westward expansion by the United States, a cause that became known as manifest destiny. Benton served in the Senate from 1821 to 1851, becoming the first member of that body to serve five terms. He was born in North Carolina.