Thaddeus Stevens (American statesmen) [Hardcover]

Samuel W McCall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1972 | Series: American statesmen

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 369 pages
• Publisher: AMS Press (1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0404508812
• ISBN-13: 978-0404508814
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,137,091 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Detailed Biography of a 19th Century Leader, July 15, 2004

By 

LEON L CZIKOWSKY (Harrisburg, Pa USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thaddeus Stevens (American statesmen) (Hardcover)

This is an excellent biography of Thaddeus Stevens, who is most remembered for his criticism of Reconstruction efforts following the Civil War. This book, written just a few decades after he died, indicates how he has viewed in his era than more current biographies do. Further, this is a complete description of his entire life. Readers see how his energy and unwillingness to compromise were lifelong traits.

Thaddeus Stevens hailed from Vermont and first practiced law in Gettysburg. Being close to the Mason-Dixon line, he saw the injustices of runaway slaves crossing into Pennsylvania whose masters wished them returned. Stevens developed a notable legal career defending runaway slaves, even paying for their freedoms himself when he lost the case.

Interestingly, it would be hatred that would drive Thaddeus Stevens into politics. His distrust of Masons led him to the Anti-Mason party and into election to the Pennsylvania legislature. While he worked hard on unsuccessful efforts to remove Masons from various aspects of juries and judges in cases involving other Masons, his greatest achievements were in education. His skillful orations convinced legislators to increase funds for schools. He defense of free public education is what he considered his greatest political achievement.

Stevens had a proposal that played an important role in the Civil War. He offered legislation that declared that none of the Southern cities remained as ports of entry. Although Lincoln was slow to agree to this idea, it has a key role in slowing the economies of the Southern states. A blockade by Northern states could have been challenged by foreign nations. Yet, a foreign nation that attempted to enter a port not recognzied by a host country would have committed an act of war under international law.

Stevens was uncompromising, and he objected to President Johnson's efforts at Reconstruction. Stevens was a leader in the drive to impeach and the failed attempt to oust Andrew Johnson from the Presidency. This was his last major effort, and he passed away in 1868.

This is a lucid and interesting book about Thaddeus Stevens. By learning more about the life of Stevens before the Civil War, we learn how his actions were a continuation of a life's previous efforts. People interested in the legislative aspects of the Civil War and Reconstruction as well as 19th century Pennsylvania politics will find this a most useful book.