Daniel Webster was an influential American statesman, lawyer, and orator born on January 18, 1782, in Salisbury, New Hampshire. He served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, representing Massachusetts. Webster was known for his powerful speeches and his role in key issues such as the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850. Webster was also a prominent advocate for the preservation of the Union during the turbulent years leading up to the Civil War. He believed in a strong federal government and worked to resolve sectional conflicts through compromise. His legacy includes his contributions to American law and politics, as well as his impact on the development of the U.S. Constitution.