Over 20 years have passed since historian Jay Winnik explored the conclusion of the Civil War in his book “April 1865: The Moon that Saved America.” His latest work delves into the events that led to its disintegration.
In “1861: The Lost Peace,” Winik examines the circumstances leading up to the first shot fired at Fort Sumter. The political maneuvers prior to 1861 reflect the rivalries that enthusiasts of battlefield accounts would anticipate from Civil War history.
An inclusive narrative remains a crucial story for those studying history. It illustrates how Illinois House members guided the nation through profound disparities over slavery, aiming to preserve the American experiment.
Winnik captures Abraham Lincoln’s transformation as a politician, portraying him as someone who “doesn’t hesitate to stretch beyond general opinion.”
Interestingly, in “1861,” Lincoln is not the most compelling figure; that distinction belongs to notable personalities like abolitionist John Brown and less renowned individuals such as Kentucky Senator John J. Crittenden.
The book further illustrates the tension faced by Major Robert Anderson as he commanded Fort Sumter, grappling with uncertainty during Lincoln’s ascent to the presidency.
Winik’s writing style is tense and dramatic, making the book a captivating read even for those well-versed in the history leading to the outbreak of the Civil War.
Winik asserts, “The ultimate fate of a nation is often measured and shaken by small events rather than large events.”
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Source: apnews.com