54 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category


    • The Unfairness of It All Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Unfairness of It All captures the deepening frustrations and political turmoil experienced by President James Buchanan during the final stages of his presidency, as he navigated the ever-worsening divisions in the United States. Buchanan had entered office in 1857 with a sense of optimism and a desire to restore peace to a nation increasingly divided over the issue of slavery. However, by the end of his term, he found himself overwhelmed by the escalating conflict, particularly the political battle…
    • The Scent of Rebellion Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin ChatGPT said: The Scent of Rebellion follows Edmund Ruffin’s journey after the election of 1860, where his hopes for Southern independence are reignited. On November 10, Ruffin arrived in Columbia, South Carolina, feeling a sense of triumph as he was welcomed as a hero—this reception starkly contrasted with his previous experiences in Virginia. As he navigated this new atmosphere of Southern zeal, he was invited to speak at South Carolina College, an honor that filled him with both excitement…
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      The Chasm

      The Chasm Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Chasm between the political ideologies of the time became even more evident in June 1858 when Abraham Lincoln emerged as the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate. At forty-nine, Lincoln, with his towering height of six feet four inches, was positioned to challenge the younger incumbent, Stephen Douglas, in a race that quickly gained national attention. The contrast between the two men’s physical appearances symbolized the ideological divide that was about to be exposed in the debates that would…
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      The Rubicon

      The Rubicon Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Rubicon marks a turning point in Edmund Ruffin's life, as he faced intense personal and political struggles in 1859. Frustrated by his failure to inspire secession in Virginia, Ruffin had been tirelessly promoting the cause of disunion and condemning what he saw as Northern "tyranny." Known for his fiery demeanor, Ruffin, with his shoulder-length white hair, appeared as intense as his convictions. At sixty-five, feeling alienated and dismissed as a fanatic, he contemplated the finality of suicide,…
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      Resilience

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Resilience within the slave trade during January 1860 is evident, even as the country grappled with the consequences of John Brown’s failed raid and the mounting sectional tensions across the nation. The events of the raid may have rattled the political climate, but they did little to deter the thriving trade in enslaved individuals. Hector Davis, a well-established slave trader in Richmond, noted the market’s success, calling it “very brisk.” Remarkably, young men, particularly those in good…
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      The Awakening

      The Awakening Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Awakening of James Henry Hammond was marked by a unique journey through the socio-political landscape of 19th-century South Carolina, shaped by his early life experiences. Born in 1807 to a failed father, Hammond was raised with a burning desire for recognition and ambition. Despite being born into a family with financial struggles, his father’s association with South Carolina College allowed him to attend the institution. The college environment, known for its rigorous discipline and the cultivation…
    • The Vile Wretch in Petticoats Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Vile Wretch in Petticoats became a significant source of controversy in the South after Uncle Tom’s Cabin was serialized in the National Era, an abolitionist newspaper, beginning on June 5, 1851. The novel, written by Harriet Beecher Stowe, provided a stark and emotional portrayal of the brutality of slavery, which resonated deeply with Northern audiences. Its vivid depictions of violence and human suffering, particularly through characters like Haley, the unscrupulous slave trader, and Simon Legree,…
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      Scandal

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Scandal loomed over James Hammond’s political career in the late 1850s, particularly following his unexpected nomination to fill a vacant U.S. Senate seat in 1857. Hammond, despite facing a series of personal and political challenges, had spent years embroiled in controversy. His previous electoral losses in 1840 and 1842, combined with his involvement in multiple scandals, made his rise to political prominence highly contentious. One of the most damaging aspects of his personal life was his affair with…
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      Cataclysm

      Cataclysm Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Cataclysm unfolded in Springfield, Illinois, on November 6, 1860, with cannon fire signaling the beginning of Election Day. Despite the nation being filled with tension, Springfield’s residents were caught up in an atmosphere of anticipation. Abraham Lincoln, a prominent figure, was considered one of the top candidates, but uncertainty lingered as to whether he could win. If no candidate won a majority, the decision would rest in the hands of the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, the local ice cream…
    • A Proper Commander Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin A Proper Commander found himself thrust into a challenging and tense environment in Charleston in November 1860. Colonel John L. Gardner, tasked with overseeing U.S. Army forces in the region, felt an increasing sense of unease as the threat of secession loomed large. Gardner was charged with managing several military installations, the most notable of which was Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, a post historically linked to Edgar Allan Poe. However, the fort's purpose had shifted, and it was poorly…
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