Preferred Name
Zachary Thompson
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Date of Graduation
5-9-2024
Semester of Graduation
Spring
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Department of History
Second Advisor
David Dillard
Third Advisor
Andrew Witmer
Abstract
In the mid-nineteenth century, the topic of slavery dominated American politics. Virginia, the state that fostered the ideals of the Revolution, traditionally followed the defense of slavery posited by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, known as the necessary evil defense. James Mason, a grandson of revolutionary figure George Mason, arrived in Washington, D.C. in 1848 and assumed his seat in the Senate, filling the seat after the death of Isaac Pennybacker. A former state delegate and member of the House of Representatives, James Mason carried with him to the Senate influences and relationships that spurred the Virginian to drift away from the necessary evil defense. Exploring these influences, Mason formed a close relationship with William Cabell Rives, who Mason claimed as his political predecessor, and John C. Calhoun of South Carolina. Combined with the rising intellectual tide in Virginia, Mason sided with Calhoun and the Deep South, causing some Virginians to question Mason’s ability to protect their interests. As the threat of Civil War loomed over the nation, James Mason converted to the positive good argument proposed by his mentor Calhoun, which led Virginians in the western portion of the state to turn on Mason for his radicalism.
