The middle period, 1817-1858

“Portrays the struggle between the national and states-rights theories, tracing their growth from the Missouri Compromise. The Mexican cessions and their political consequences are discussed at disproportionate length. Mr. Burgess possesses keen logical power; has written from the sources: holds pronounced views and is not unbiased, though he usually states both sides fairly and moderately. . . A stimulating book.” Larned’s Literature of American history. Bibliography and maps.
— Standard Catalog for Public Libraries: History (H.W. Wilson) 1929