'''John C. Calhoun''' (1782-1850) was an American statesman and political theorist who first proclaimed the idea of minority rights; he had a significant impact on conservative political thought and is still studied. He held every major post except President, serving in the [[House of Representatives|House]], [[U.S. Senate|Senate]] and [[Vice Presidency]], as well as [[Secretary of War]] and [[Secretary of State]]. A powerful intellect, Calhoun eloquently spoke out on every issue of his day, from 1812 to 1850, but is best known for his intense and original defense of [[slavery]] as a positive good and for pointing the South toward secession from the Union. He was the chief spokesman for the white South, portraying it as a minority that was threatened by the North. | '''John C. Calhoun''' (1782-1850) was an American statesman and political theorist who first proclaimed the idea of minority rights; he had a significant impact on conservative political thought and is still studied. He held every major post except President, serving in the [[House of Representatives|House]], [[U.S. Senate|Senate]] and [[Vice Presidency]], as well as [[Secretary of War]] and [[Secretary of State]]. A powerful intellect, Calhoun eloquently spoke out on every issue of his day, from 1812 to 1850, but is best known for his intense and original defense of [[slavery]] as a positive good and for pointing the South toward secession from the Union. He was the chief spokesman for the white South, portraying it as a minority that was threatened by the North. |