MSU hosts historian, author to speak on Ulysses S. Grant's battle to protect Reconstruction
Contact: Pattye Archer
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擧istorian and author Fergus M. Bordewich will discuss his new book 鈥淜lan War: Ulysses S. Grant and the Battle to Save Reconstruction鈥 on Tuesday Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m.
鈥淜lan War鈥 (Deckle Edge, 2023) explores President Grant鈥檚 determined efforts to dismantle the Ku Klux Klan and preserve the hard-won achievements of Reconstruction. Bordewich鈥檚 analysis offers crucial insights into one of America鈥檚 most critical historical struggles.
鈥淭his talk is important because 鈥淜lan War鈥 highlights Grant鈥檚 resolve to enforce the 14th and 15th Amendments, which secured citizenship and voting rights for African Americans,鈥 said Anne E. Marshall, executive director of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library and Museum. 鈥淓nforcing these rights was no small feat, given the strong opposition in both the South and many parts of the North.鈥
Bordewich relied heavily on the 鈥淧apers of Ulysses S. Grant,鈥 (Southern Illinois University Press, 1967) a collection curated by Grant Presidential Library, Marshall said.
Describing the Ku Klux Klan as 鈥渢he first organized terrorist movement in American history,鈥 Bordewich's book details the Klan's rise after the Civil War and draws unsettling parallels to modern-day extremism from radical insurrectionists and white supremacists.
鈥淭his aspect of Grant鈥檚 presidency is often overlooked,鈥 Marshall added.
Bordewich, author of eight other acclaimed nonfiction books, including 鈥淐ongress at War鈥 (Deckle Edge, 2020) and 2016 D.B. Hardeman Prize winner 鈥淭he First Congress,鈥 (Simon & Schuster, 2016) lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife. His works often focus on critical junctures in American history.
Marshall said she encourages students, faculty and local residents to attend the talk and book signing. The event will take place in the John Grisham Room, third floor, Mitchell Memorial Library. MSU parking gates will open at 6 p.m. for closer proximity to the library.
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