44 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category
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Chapter
The Unfairness of It All
In the chapter titled "The Unfairness of It All," the narrative focuses on James Buchanan's sentiments surrounding Lincoln's election and the turmoil facing his presidency. Buchanan, who became president in 1857, yearned for unity and peace, expressing frustration that he might not be able to complete his term without unrest. He had hoped to restore harmony among the states during his presidency but was confronted with escalating tensions, particularly regarding the debate over slavery in Kansas. This…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
The Scent of Rebellion
In the chapter "The Scent of Rebellion," we follow Edmund Ruffin's fervent journey post-election, motivated by his belief that South Carolina would lead the charge for secession after Lincoln's victory in 1860. Arriving in Columbia on November 10, 1860, he found himself celebrated as a hero, a stark contrast to his experiences back in Virginia. Remarkably, students from South Carolina College even requested him to speak, although he hesitated due to fear of failure. Nevertheless, he reveled in the…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Epigraph
The provided text contains an epigraph for the book "The Demon of Unrest". It consists of three quotes reflecting on the significance of slavery, the capacity of government, and the sacrifices of war. The first quote is from Arthur Peronneau Hayne, who expresses the critical role of slavery in maintaining comfort and happiness within society, arguing that separation from the Union is the only way to safeguard their way of life. Hayne emphasizes that without slavery, their families would suffer, and all…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Dark Magic (A Note to Readers)
In "Dark Magic," Erik Larson reflects on the eerie parallels between historical events surrounding the American Civil War and contemporary political tensions, particularly following the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. Larson, engrossed in research about Fort Sumter and the impending Civil War, experienced a disquieting convergence of past and present; both eras were marked by iconic moments of national unrest tied to electoral processes and presidential transitions. The visceral emotions he felt while…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
A Boat in the Dark
In the early hours of April 12, 1861, amidst a tumultuous stormy night, a boat carrying four enslaved rowers approached Fort Sumter, conveying three Confederate officers. As they rowed through choppy waters from Charleston, they reached the fort, now transformed from a relic into a formidable stronghold under Major Robert Anderson. However, the fort was significantly undermanned with only seventy-five soldiers defending against a backdrop of mounting tensions over dwindling food supplies cut off by…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Cataclysm
On November 6, 1860, Springfield, Illinois, came alive as cannon fire signaled Election Day. Despite tensions across the nation, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as citizens flocked to vote. The election featured multiple candidates, with Abraham Lincoln seen as a frontrunner. The outcome was uncertain; if no majority emerged, the decision would fall to the House of Representatives. As Springfield’s residents mobilized toward the polling place, the local ice cream parlor welcomed Republican…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
A Proper Commander
In November 1860, Colonel John L. Gardner, the commander of U.S. Army forces in Charleston, South Carolina, faced mounting anxiety as tensions escalated over the secession movement. Gardner was responsible for several key military installations, most notably Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, which had historical ties to Edgar Allan Poe. The political climate intensified concerns that local citizens might attempt to seize Fort Moultrie, which was poorly fortified and uniquely vulnerable to internal…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
The Awakening
James Henry Hammond, an atypical planter in the South during the 19th century, was a prominent figure influenced by his minority status at birth. Born in 1807 to a failed father, Hammond was instilled with immense ambition and a yearning for recognition. Educated at a modest preparatory school, he attended South Carolina College thanks to his father’s role as a steward there. The college maintained strict rules to uphold gentlemanly behavior while fostering a fierce sensitivity to honor among its male…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Party Malice
In Springfield, Illinois, the mood following the Election Day celebration swiftly transitioned to an unexpected tranquility. John Nicolay noted that the city had returned to its usual calm, nearly forgetting the tumultuous election, as it prepared for Lincoln's formal celebration—a “Jollification”—which was reluctantly anticipated due to Lincoln’s narrow victory. Similarly, young Anna Ridgely expressed her disillusionment with Lincoln’s election in her diary. Despite her father's Democratic…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Placing the Knife
In *Placing the Knife*, the chapter details Mary Chesnut's reflections in the wake of Abraham Lincoln's election, which she interpreted as a catalyst for impending war. Traveling back to South Carolina from Florida, she learned the news on a train, where it was broadly discussed that “Lincoln was elected and our fate sealed.” Convinced that significant changes were on the horizon, she began documenting her thoughts in a diary, emphasizing the necessity for calm determination as the Confederacy faced…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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