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firstwords's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting. While this is indeed a book about violence in Congress in the 1830-60s, it is just as much a story of how Southern congressmen dominated Congress through violence. I would say - the author hints at this just once, but I think she believes it as well - that the corrupting force of slavery, its requirement to subjugate/beat/rape/kill to maintain control, poisoned the minds of those southern slaveholders (and most southern Congressmen were slaveholders or from slaveholding families). Not to stereotype, but it was interesting that for Northerners, almost to a man, the idea of dueling was "barbaric," but for Southerners, it was what you did whenever someone insulted you. This dueling/honor culture was said to influence (in another book whos title escapes me) African-American culture at the end of legal slavery. Or the general idea that a slight at your honor or honesty required not a speech, but retribution.
The author is no fan of slavery or the antebellum South, that much is clear, but even with that "bias," it is clear that southern congressmen thought the best/only way to keep slavery alive in the South, and to help it spread westward, was violence or the threat of violence on the House and Senate floor (and boy howdy, we think the House now is rowdy...not even close).
THe dynamic of "preserving the Union at all costs" also came through so clearly here. Northerners wanted to maintain this experiment, this Union of states, so much that they passed the Fugitive Slave Act and pretty much cowed to Southern interests, while Southerners were ready at the drop of a hat - for the most part - to let the Union dissolve if it meant they got to keep enslaving human beings.
Fascinating book.
The author is no fan of slavery or the antebellum South, that much is clear, but even with that "bias," it is clear that southern congressmen thought the best/only way to keep slavery alive in the South, and to help it spread westward, was violence or the threat of violence on the House and Senate floor (and boy howdy, we think the House now is rowdy...not even close).
THe dynamic of "preserving the Union at all costs" also came through so clearly here. Northerners wanted to maintain this experiment, this Union of states, so much that they passed the Fugitive Slave Act and pretty much cowed to Southern interests, while Southerners were ready at the drop of a hat - for the most part - to let the Union dissolve if it meant they got to keep enslaving human beings.
Fascinating book.
davidpwebber's review against another edition
informative
tense
medium-paced
A largely enjoyable read that paints a picture of pre-Civil War Congress as a dirty, smelly, hot, disgusting cesspool of angry men trying to beat the shit out of each other. The parallels between then and now are quite striking, primarily in the sense that much of violence perpetrated during this period was courtesy of slave-owning Southern representatives against mostly flaccid, rule-following Northerners. This is literally the same predicament we are dealing with right now, though with less physical violence, as Republicans flout the rule of law in the face of their Democratic colleagues and the nation, while Democrats sit on their fucking hands like a bunch of inept children, too scared to challenge the rising tide and apparently all too happy to let it wash over them.
The only way anything ended up changing was because some Northern representatives (most of this takes place in the House, not the Senate) finally stood up to the bullying and took matters into their own hands, calling out the Southerners on their bullshit and presenting a strong and unified front. This book stopped short of the Lincoln years but we all know Lincoln was a LEADER, the type Democrats sorely need and seem to actively campaign aginst.
Some Goodreads reviews said this book was dry and repetitive; I didn't feel that at all. The writings of Benjamin French and his journey are definitely the most interesting part. As I like to mention, we can learn all we want about leaders and the powerful men of history, but I find the less-notable people far more engaging to learn about. French is exactly that type of person, so I quite enjoyed following his life, career, and shifting politics. He was a man, just like any other man, with concerns, with confusion, struggles, family issues, and the like, and he changed his positions more than once. He was human, and I think this book was strongest when focused on that aspect.
The only way anything ended up changing was because some Northern representatives (most of this takes place in the House, not the Senate) finally stood up to the bullying and took matters into their own hands, calling out the Southerners on their bullshit and presenting a strong and unified front. This book stopped short of the Lincoln years but we all know Lincoln was a LEADER, the type Democrats sorely need and seem to actively campaign aginst.
Some Goodreads reviews said this book was dry and repetitive; I didn't feel that at all. The writings of Benjamin French and his journey are definitely the most interesting part. As I like to mention, we can learn all we want about leaders and the powerful men of history, but I find the less-notable people far more engaging to learn about. French is exactly that type of person, so I quite enjoyed following his life, career, and shifting politics. He was a man, just like any other man, with concerns, with confusion, struggles, family issues, and the like, and he changed his positions more than once. He was human, and I think this book was strongest when focused on that aspect.
triple7sss's review against another edition
5.0
Very timely and exceptionally well done. Ms. Freeman examines bullying and physical conflict in the Congress of the mid-1800s. She ties the effects of violence and threats to debate, policy decisions, disunion, re-election and even personal psyches.
This kind of perspective is invaluable right now. Helps you remember that all is much as it has ever been in the fields of politics and human nature.
This kind of perspective is invaluable right now. Helps you remember that all is much as it has ever been in the fields of politics and human nature.
drewdowns's review against another edition
5.0
Freeman’s discovery at both the volume of violence in Congress and how it was used to shape our history is as fascinating as it is terrifying. Her storytelling is captivating and propels the reader through otherwise impenetrable history. It gets my highest recommendation.
amanita_needleworks's review against another edition
DNF. Too chewy. Too much romaticising a period of time which was horrific for so many people. Too many quotes from diaries.
sarahd22081's review against another edition
5.0
This is a perfect sequel to Dr. Freeman's previous study of duels; Affairs of Honor . If you think political discourse is uncivil now, wait until you read about the fistfights and insults traded between armed congressmen in the early 19th century. Preston Brooks' infamous caning of Charles Sumner in 1856 was not an outlier - rather, it was the culmination of a decades-long trend as tensions between north and south escalated. Freeman's meticulous research into Congressional records and correspondence reveals the complex code loyalties and strategies between members of the legislature. She frames her narrative through the eyes and career of New Hampshire clerk Benjamin Brown French, whose detailed diaries and friendships with notable political figures give a window into this violent legislative era.
sophiastuart's review against another edition
4.0
A pretty easy and understandable read about the civil war and its lead up, especially in politics. it was funny and very timely, but it makes a point that it will always feel timely. I do think it could have explained a few things better for those less familiar with the time, but it still was thoroughly enjoyable