Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War

Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War | Joanne B Freeman

pick

I first read this book in 2019, astonished and surprised that the subject matter was so...immediately relevant.

Given the events surrounding the 2020 election and the subsequent insurrection at the Capitol building - this book obviously hits different now.

See the comments for my review, since it did not fit here. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

NotoriousMBG As a student of history, I often refer to a hashtag used by historians online - “#HistoryMatters“. This book is the embodiment of that sentiment. Not because I feel like we are actually on the road to another civil war (we're not), but because it gives context to present the present day. History does not repeat itself. It echoes. Understanding the events that led up to the civil war can help us better understand the divisions we live with now. 4y

1 comment

swynn

Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War | Joanne B Freeman

pick

You think Congress is a mess, but our representatives now are powderpuffs compared to the bullies, backstabbers, and brawlers of the early 19th century. Freeman does a terrific job laying out the context and issues, the regional influences and personal inclinations that fed an atmosphere where senators and representatives went armed to Congress, and which led directly to the Civil War. Fascinating and a little scary.

swynn #Scarathlon2020 #TeamHarkness 5 points +participation = 6 points (Cumulative 48 points) @StayCurious 4y

Ruthiella The more I read about American history, the more I realize we have been, in some cases, fighting the same internal battles since 1776. 4y

swynn @Ruthiella Definitely. And our predecessors were not more dignified about it. 4y

29 likes3 comments

drneutron

Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War | Joanne B Freeman

pick

The US Congress is messed up by anyone‘s definition. But in the decades before the American Civil War, it was - unbelievably - worse. Even to the point of violence on the Capitol floor, mirroring society as a whole as they drove headlong into the Civil War. It‘s quite a story, and Freeman tells it well. And is a bit scary as we see the divisions today and wonder where all this is headed.

#whycantweallgetalong #politics

3 likes

Misanthropester

Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War | Joanne B Freeman

pick

Quite simply, one of the best books of the year. A #history told in plain language that deepens & extends not just our knowledge of the past but also of contemporary #politics

#nonfiction

Full review: http://misanthropester.com/2018/11/28/the-field-of-blood-by-joanne-freeman/

12 likes