America's Deadliest Election - by Dana Bash (Hardcover)

About the Book

"The election of 1872 [for the governorship of Louisiana] 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 ... 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"--

Book Synopsis

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

"Snappy and accessible prose... America's Deadliest Election is the kind of book that might generate fresh interest in our country's brief post-Civil War attempt at creating a multiracial democracy."--The Washington Post

The violent election of 1872 that serves as a warning for today's divided politics.

From CNN's Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash, 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.

Review Quotes

"In snappy and accessible prose, Bash and Fisher distill key themes, including how elected leaders such as McEnery 'let loose a monster' when they 'approved violence as an acceptable means to resolve political disputes.' America's Deadliest Election is the kind of book that might generate fresh interest in our country's brief post-Civil War attempt at creating a multiracial democracy."--The Washington Post

"Her meticulous re-creation of the confrontation, written with the prolific author David Fisher, couldn't be more well timed.... You should read this book if you crave historical insight into the chaos that enveloped the United States following Trump's loss in 2020. You might also consider reading it if you fear what may come in the months and years ahead. If nothing else, it will remind you that American Democracy has fought for its life before--and, at least for now, it's still here."--Air Mail

"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