• Congress at War

  • How Republican Reformers Fought the Civil War, Defied Lincoln, Ended Slavery, and Remade America
  • By: Fergus M. Bordewich
  • Narrated by: Sean Runnette
  • Length: 15 hrs and 32 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (40 ratings)

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Congress at War  By  cover art

Congress at War

By: Fergus M. Bordewich
Narrated by: Sean Runnette
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Publisher's summary

The story of how Congress helped win the Civil War - a new perspective that puts the House and Senate, rather than Lincoln, at the center of the conflict.

This brilliantly argued new perspective on the Civil War overturns the popular conception that Abraham Lincoln single-handedly led the Union to victory and gives us a vivid account of the essential role Congress played in winning the war

Building a riveting narrative around four influential members of Congress - Thaddeus Stevens, Pitt Fessenden, Ben Wade, and the pro-slavery Clement Vallandigham - Fergus Bordewich shows us how a newly empowered Republican party shaped one of the most dynamic and consequential periods in American history. From reinventing the nation's financial system to pushing President Lincoln to emancipate the slaves to the planning for Reconstruction, Congress undertook drastic measures to defeat the Confederacy, in the process laying the foundation for a strong central government that came fully into being in the 20th century. Brimming with drama and outsized characters, Congress at War is also one of the most original books about the Civil War to appear in years and will change the way we understand the conflict.

©2020 Fergus M. Bordewich (P)2020 Random House Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

Critic reviews

"Bordewich contributes an entertaining, fresh perspective to our ever-evolving understanding and discussion of the Civil War. An important addition for both general readers of American history and scholars of the growing interpretations of Civil War studies." (Library Journal)

"Carefully documented.... Bordewich offers a unique and colorful perspective on the Civil War, and regularly manages to make congressional minutiae entertaining. Readers seeking fresh insight into the era will be satisfied." (Publisher's Weekly)

"[A] fascinating deep dive... Bordewich’s narrative transforms quotidian politics into nation-shaking legislation... There’s nothing arcane about this book - it will keep readers absorbed and entertained." (Graham Russell Gad Hodges, Zócalo Square Press)

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Great Story and Narration

A great story of an important Congress during a pivotal point in America's history!

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Fascinating read!

This was an incredible in- depth look into the players and politics of the 37th and 38th Congress.

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Educational

Learned the amazing details on how effective and productive Congress was during the civil war.

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The Ultimate Behind The Scenes for Civil War fans!

This book was featured on History Unplugged a favorite podcast of mine. Based on the interview and discussion alone, I knew I was in for a treat; but that was an understatement! This book is FANTASTIC! I'll be looking for more from this author for sure.

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