44 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category
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Chapter
The Vile Wretch in Petticoats
**The Vile Wretch in Petticoats, The Demon of Unrest** In Washington, South Carolina’s congress representatives found a new source of anger beyond abolitionist petitions when the *National Era*, an antislavery newspaper, published the serialized novel *Uncle Tom’s Cabin* by Harriet Beecher Stowe on June 5, 1851. The portrayal of slavery in this novel incited outrage. The narrative begins in a Kentucky dining parlor, where two men, including one named Haley, a slave trader, plot to purchase a slave…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Scandal
In the politically charged years between 1857 and 1858, James Hammond, a figure marked by controversy and scandal, was unexpectedly nominated to fill a vacant U.S. Senate seat following the death of its previous occupant. Hammond's political career had been tumultuous, characterized by a significant electoral loss in 1840 and a narrow victory in 1842 for the governorship. Despite his political ambition, his reputation was tainted by a scandalous affair involving his young nieces, which had begun in…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
The Chasm
In June 1858, following James Hammond’s departure from Washington, Abraham Lincoln captured attention at the Republican Illinois State Convention by securing the nomination for the U.S. Senate. Aged forty-nine, Lincoln was set to face the younger Democratic incumbent, Stephen Douglas. Their competition fostered significant interest, especially given their contrasting physical presences—Lincoln’s height of six-foot-four surpassing Douglas’s stature significantly. During the convention closing,…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
The Rubicon
In October 1859, Edmund Ruffin despaired over his unsuccessful attempts to incite disunion in Virginia, exhaustively advocating for secession and denouncing Northern "tyranny." Described as a “fiery agent of disunion,” his physical appearance matched his intense persona—shoulder-length white hair and a sharp demeanor. At sixty-five, feeling ignored and regarded as a fanatic, he contemplated suicide amid personal tragedies. His life felt wearisome, and his passion for reading waned, leading him to…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Resilience
In January 1860, despite the recent raid led by Brown and the ensuing chaos, the slave trade remained robust. Prices for enslaved individuals were surging; Hector Davis, a trader from Richmond, noted the prosperity of the market, declaring it “very brisk indeed.” He remarked that the price of young men had reached unprecedented heights. Meanwhile, in Charleston, Ryan’s Mart was bustling with activity, hosting numerous slave auctions throughout the month. A staggering total of 658 enslaved Black…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
The Landscape of Fear
In "The Landscape of Fear," set in 1860, Ruffin is disheartened by Lincoln's nomination as the Republican candidate, perceiving him as too moderate to incite the necessary outrage for Southern secession. Ruffin had anticipated a nomination for Seward, whom he believed would incite the South more effectively. Traveling through Virginia en route to meet his daughter Mildred, Ruffin is engulfed by a pervasive fear of slave insurrections, fueled by recent events like John Brown's raid and ominous rumors about…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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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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