Title: Thaddeus Stevens
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.
Subjects: United States, United States. Congress. House, Legislators, Biography, History, Stevens, thaddeus, 1792-1868, United states, history, 1815-1861, United states, history, civil war, 1861-1865, biography, United states, history, 1865-1898, United states, congress, house, biography
Places: United States
People: Thaddeus Stevens (1792-1868)
Time periods: 1849-1877