Reframing the Antebellum Democratic Mainstream.

The article explores the diplomatic history of the U.S. through a discussion of the career of Louisiana senator Pierre Soulé. The author reflects on the development of U.S. nationalism and political culture in the Democratic party during the antebellum era. Emphasis is given to topics such as Soulé's conflicted support for slavery, territorial expansion, and his appointment as minister to Spain under the administration of president Franklin Pierce.