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 historical account written in the late 19th century. This work provides a detailed narrative of the events and political climate in the United States during a crucial two-decade period, focusing particularly on the transitions and challenges faced in the post-Civil War era. The text examines the complexities of Reconstruction, the differing philosophies within the government, and the key figures who influenced this transformative time in American history. The opening of the volume introduces the succession of Andrew Johnson as President following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. It establishes the immediate challenges Johnson faced, including the need for effective statesmanship to navigate the delicate task of reconstructing the Union. The narrative highlights Johnson's background, his complicated relationship with both Northern politicians and Southern leaders, and sets the stage for a series of events that would shape the political landscape, focusing on the tensions surrounding reconstruction policies and the differing views of how to achieve national unity.