America's Deadliest Election: The Cautionary Tale of the Most Violent Election in American History

by Dana Bash, David Fisher Narrated by Dana Bash

Overview

From CNN's chief political correspondent,*Dana Bash, comes the fast-paced story of the extraordinary election that led to hundreds of murders, warfare in the streets of New Orleans, two governors of Louisiana-and changed the course of politics in our country.**

The Election of 1872 was the most contentious in American history. After both parties complained of corruption, neither candidate would concede, two governors claimed office and chaos erupted. Rival newspapers engaged in a bitter war of words, politicians plotted to overthrow the government, and their supporters fought in the streets and attempted assassinations. The entire country watched in grim fascination as the wounds of the Civil War were ripped open and the promise of President Grant's Reconstruction faltered in the face of violent resistance and the birth of the Ku Klux Klan.

In this riveting book, Dana Bash and David Fisher tell the incredible, little-known story of the election that pushed democracy to the breaking point, and sparked historic events including:

• The Colfax Massacre, in which at least 150 Black men were killed by white supremacists.
• The extraordinary train race from New York to New Orleans for control of the state government.
• The election of the first*Black congressman from Louisiana in the face of violent resistance.
• The Supreme Court ruling that ended Reconstruction and became the foundation of Southern segregation, changing the American legal system for the next century.

Readers will find eerie parallels to today's divided political landscape and leaders willing to seize power no matter the cost. An eye-opening warning of what's at stake and what it takes to protect our democracy, this is a must-read tale of America's deadliest election.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Democracy is so fragile, and these series of stunning events from some 150 years ago are a reminder that a foundational principle—the peaceful transfer of power—is so easily shattered by people who will do anything to remain in office and play upon voters’ fears and biases.” —Nicolle Wallace, anchor of Deadline: White House on MSNBC

“It is astonishing to discover that a violent election in Louisiana in 1872 would have such a profound national impact on civil rights. America's Deadliest Election is both an important and gripping story and is a reminder that American history never ceases to surprise us.” —Tom Clavin, New York Times bestselling author and coauthor of Throne of Grace: A Mountain Man, an Epic Adventure, and the Bloody Conquest of the American West

“This is an extremely important book about a little known but essential aspect of our history. It is the story of how we got to today and, unfortunately, where we might be going tomorrow.” —Fred Gray, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and author of Alabama v. King and Bus Ride to Justice

"A harrowing dive into Louisiana’s gubernatorial election of 1872…an elucidating case study in America’s bitter history of refusing to recognize election results....The authors manage to render the tortuous details of these political shenanigans engaging, and the consequences timely and fresh. Enlightening cautionary tale whose fury resonates today."—Kirkus Reviews

Product Details

BN ID:	2940191469942
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	09/03/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged