Twenty Years of Congress, Volume 2 From Lincoln to Garfield, with a Review of the Events Which Led to the Political Revolution of 1860

"Twenty Years of Congress, Volume 2" by James Gillespie Blaine is a comprehensive historical narrative that unpacks two pivotal decades in American history spanning from Lincoln's era to Garfield's presidency. The book shines a light on the complicated political environment of that time. Blaine presents a deep examination of the Reconstruction era, highlighting the challenges of rebuilding the nation after the Civil War and emphasizing the major political events and players who shaped this period. The book begins with Andrew Johnson's rise to the presidency after Lincoln's assassination, setting the stage for the conflicts to come. The book then explores Johnson's difficult position amid Reconstruction efforts, describing the complex interactions between Northern and Southern political figures and the disagreements over how to unify the country once more.