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    456 Results with the "Biography" genre


    • Chapter

      Pledge

      Pledge Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Pledge became a pivotal moment in the growing political turmoil of 1860, as President Buchanan’s administration struggled to respond effectively to South Carolina’s secession. The resignation of key cabinet members, such as Howell Cobb, the Secretary of the Treasury, and Lewis Cass, the Secretary of State, highlighted the increasing instability within the government. Cobb’s resignation, driven by his loyalty to Georgia and the South, came after he found himself at odds with Buchanan’s handling of…
    • Placing the Knife Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Placing the Knife captures the intense emotional and political landscape Mary Chesnut found herself navigating after the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, an event that marked the beginning of an era she saw as fraught with danger. While traveling back to South Carolina from Florida, she learned of Lincoln's election through discussions among passengers on the train, where it was said that "Lincoln was elected and our fate sealed." Mary’s immediate reaction was one of certainty: she believed that this…
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      Party Malice

      Party Malice Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Party Malice settled heavily over Springfield, Illinois, as the post-Election Day euphoria gave way to a palpable sense of unease. The excitement that followed Abraham Lincoln's narrow victory slowly faded into a more subdued mood in the city, where many residents appeared to forget the turmoil surrounding the election. Although plans for Lincoln's formal celebration, a “Jollification,” were underway, it was evident that many were less enthusiastic about the event, largely due to the slim margin by…
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      Frustration

      Frustration Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Frustration fills the air during the period between December 20 and 24 as Navy Lieutenant David Dixon Porter finds himself navigating the increasingly complex political landscape in Washington amidst the secession crisis. On his way through downtown, Porter passes the residence of Senator Jefferson Davis, where a lively party is in full swing. Despite his unwavering loyalty to the Union, Porter has maintained relationships across party lines, seeking to understand the potential paths to peace. His…
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      Epigraph

      Epigraph Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Epigraph sets the tone for The Demon of Unrest, offering a poignant and thought-provoking collection of quotes that delve deeply into the central themes of slavery, governance, and the personal toll of war. The first quote, attributed to Arthur Peronneau Hayne, reflects his conviction about the essential role of slavery in Southern society. Hayne contends that the comfort and well-being of Southern families depend entirely on the continuation of slavery, and he argues that separation from the Union is the…
    • Dark Magic (A Note to Readers) Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Dark Magic delves into the unsettling similarities between the American Civil War era and modern political crises, especially after the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. As Erik Larson researched the lead-up to the Civil War, particularly the events surrounding Fort Sumter, he was struck by the eerie parallels that began to emerge. Both periods were marked by significant political unrest, with presidential transitions fueling fears of national instability. The historical comparisons between a nation on…
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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…
    • Aunt Fancy Speaks Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Aunt Fancy Speaks as she reflects on the deepening political tensions that defined December of 1860, focusing on President Buchanan’s handling of South Carolina's secession crisis. With the possibility of South Carolina breaking away from the Union looming large, Buchanan concentrated on drafting his annual message to Congress. William Henry Trescot, a member of South Carolina’s elite, played a significant role in advising Buchanan, providing insights into the region’s grievances and the Southern…
    • 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…
    • A Confidential Visit Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin A Confidential Visit unfolds between December 11 and 14, with Major Anderson at Fort Moultrie caught in the rising tensions that define the increasingly volatile political climate of Charleston Harbor. As tensions escalate and the threat of conflict looms, Captain Truman Seymour, a seasoned artillery officer with experience in combat, arrives at the fort to deliver a memorandum outlining a detailed defensive strategy. Seymour warns Anderson of the likelihood of deceptive tactics being used by the…
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