William Henry Seward and the Secession Crisis : The Effort to Prevent Civil War

Though Abraham Lincoln took center stage in a divided country, a political rival-turned-ally had a major influence on national affairs during Lincoln's presidency. William Henry Seward, U.S. senator and former governor, lost the Republican Party nomination for president in 1860, but aided Lincoln's election by touring the country on behalf of the Republican ticket. As some Southern states prepared to withdraw from the Union, Secretary of State Seward sought to reunite the country. This biography explores Seward's political power and the theory that, as president, he might have prevented the Civil War.

While Abraham Lincoln was taking center stage in a divided country, a political rival-turned-ally was exerting a major influence on national affairs. William Henry Seward, U.S. senator and former New York governor, lost the Republican Party nomination but aided Lincoln by touring the country on behalf of the Republican ticket. As Southern states prepared to withdraw from the Union, Secretary of State Seward sought to reunite the country. This biography explores Seward's political power and the theory that, as president, he might have prevented the Civil War.

"William Henry Seward, U.S. senator and former governor, lost the Republican Party nomination for president in 1860, but aided Lincoln's election by touring the country on behalf of the Republican ticket. This biography explores Seward's political power and the theory that, as president, he might have prevented the Civil War"--Provided by publisher. Contents 6 Preface and Acknowledgments 8 Introduction 12 1. Luck of the Draw 18 2. To Be President 35 3. Henry Takes Charge 67 4. February-Union Light, Shine Bright 95 5. March Madness 119 6. The Point of No Return 147 Epilogue 175 Appendix 208 Chapter Notes 210 Bibliography 220 Index 224 As some Southern states prepared to withdraw from the Union, Secretary of State William Henry Seward sought to reunite the country. This biography explores Seward's political power and the theory that, as president, he might have prevented the Civil War. Luck of the draw To be president Henry takes charge February : Union light, shine bright March madness The point of no return Epilogue: Saving the nation Appendix: The 1860 presidential election.