And the War Came: The North and the Secession Crisis, 1860-1861

Kenneth M. Stampp examines the months between Abraham Lincoln's election in November 1860 and the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861. The book focuses on the North's response to the secession crisis and the complex political maneuvering that occurred during this pivotal period. The narrative tracks the actions and decisions of key figures in Lincoln's incoming administration, Congress, and Northern state governments as they confronted the dissolution of the Union. Stampp analyzes the debates over compromise proposals, the role of public opinion, and the various attempts to prevent war. This detailed study draws from contemporary newspapers, personal correspondence, government documents, and other primary sources to reconstruct the day-to-day developments of the crisis. The political climate in both Washington D.C. and Northern states receives particular attention. The book presents the secession crisis as a critical test of American democracy and constitutional principles, raising fundamental questions about the nature of the Union and the limits of federal authority.

Readers consistently highlight Stampp's thorough research and detailed examination of Northern political reactions during the secession crisis. Many note his clear breakdown of the various Northern factions and their evolving positions as events unfolded. Liked: - Clear analysis of Republican Party divisions - Deep dive into newspaper accounts and personal papers - Focus on lesser-known Northern politicians and public figures - Balanced treatment of different viewpoints Disliked: - Dense writing style that some found difficult to follow - Limited coverage of Southern perspectives - Too much emphasis on political maneuvering versus social factors - Some readers wanted more on economic aspects Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (83 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (14 reviews) Notable reader comment: "Stampp excels at showing how Northern politicians' stance on compromise evolved between Lincoln's election and Fort Sumter, but the writing can be dry at times." - Goodreads reviewer

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The Coming of the Civil War by Avery O. Craven The book examines the economic, cultural, and political factors that created sectional discord between the North and South in the decades before Fort Sumter.

The Impending Crisis: 1848-1861 by David M. Potter This study explores the breakdown of American political institutions and the failure of compromise during the critical years leading to Southern secession.

Lincoln and the Decision for War by Russell McClintock The text analyzes Lincoln's navigation of the secession crisis through his inauguration and the decisions that led to the outbreak of war.

Year of Meteors: Stephen Douglas, Abraham Lincoln, and the Election That Brought on the Civil War by Douglas R. Egerton The book focuses on the pivotal election of 1860 and its role in precipitating the break between North and South.

🔷 Kenneth M. Stampp revolutionized Civil War historiography by challenging the then-popular "Lost Cause" narrative, demonstrating that slavery—not states' rights—was the primary cause of the conflict. 🔷 The book's title comes from Abraham Lincoln's First Inaugural Address, where he said, "...and the war came," emphasizing the seeming inevitability of the conflict despite efforts to prevent it. 🔷 The author taught at the University of California, Berkeley for over 40 years and won the prestigious Lincoln Prize for his lifetime contribution to Civil War studies. 🔷 The work explores the crucial 4-month period between Lincoln's election and his inauguration, during which seven Southern states seceded while President Buchanan took minimal action to prevent the crisis. 🔷 Published in 1950, this book was among the first to examine the secession crisis from the Northern perspective rather than the more commonly studied Southern viewpoint.