HISTORY

Lincoln’s First Crisis: Fort Sumter and the Betrayal of the President

by William Bruce Johnson
Stackpole. May 2020. 464p. ISBN 9780811739405. $29.95. HIST
COPY ISBN
Johnson (The Pacific Campaign in World War II) expertly examines the events leading up to the Battle of Fort Sumter in 1861, the first conflict of the Civil War. He takes readers between Washington, DC, and Charleston, SC, in order to dissect the intent and motivations of the main players, including Fort Sumer Commander Robert Anderson, South Carolina Governor Francis Pickens, and Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Having campaigned on a promise to keep a strong Union presence in the South, while also trying to avoid a war with the seceding states, Lincoln’s first few months in office were crucial, and, as Johnson argues, complicated by the machinations of his own secretary of state, William Henry Seward, who was secretly negotiating with Confederate leaders. A detailed and dense work.
VERDICT Recommended for Civil War buffs and those who enjoy political intrigue.
Reviewed by Jacob Sherman, John Peace Lib., Univ. of Texas at San Antonio , May 15, 2020

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

The Pyramids: The Archaeology and History of Egypt’s Iconic Monuments
by Verner, Miroslav
NONFICTION

We Gather Together: A Nation Divided, a President in Turmoil, and a Historic Campaign To Embrace Gratitude and Grace
by Kiernan, Denise
NONFICTION

The Last Slave Ships: New York and the End of the Middle Passage
by Harris, John
NONFICTION

The Daughters of George III: Sisters and Princesses
by Curzon, Catherine
NONFICTION

Sicily ‘43: The First Assault on Fortress Europe
by Holland, James
NONFICTION

First Principles: What America’s Founders Learned from the Greeks and Romans and How That Shaped Our Country
by Ricks, Thomas E
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?