Thaddeus Stevens
Subtitle: nineteenth-century egalitarian
By: Hans L. Trefousse.
Series: Civil War America
Publisher: University of North Carolina Press
Published: 1997
Place of publication: Chapel Hill
Language: eng
Number of pages: 312
Subjects: Stevens, Thaddeus, 1792-1868; United States. Congress. House -- Biography; Legislators -- United States -- Biography; United States -- History -- 1849-1877
Description: One of the most controversial figures in nineteenth-century American history, Thaddeus Stevens is best remembered for his role as congressional leader of the radical Republicans and as a chief architect of Reconstruction. Long painted by historians as a vindictive "dictator of Congress," out to punish the South at the behest of big business and his own ego, Stevens receives a more balanced treatment in Hans L.

Trefousse's biography, which portrays him as an impassioned orator, an indefatigable advocate of racial equality, and a leader in the struggle against slavery.

Trefousse addresses the riddle of Stevens's personality - his seeming harshness toward his foes, his kindness toward the poor and powerless, his stern manner and biting sarcasm - and explores the motivations for this leader's lifelong commitment to racial equality. He offers a fascinating portrait of the man whose impassioned opposition to slavery helped move his more moderate congressional colleagues toward the implementation of egalitarianism.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [287]-300) and index.