His book sought to put the responsibility of the failure of Reconstruction on the General Ulysses S. Grant Administration and on the freedmen, whom he despised with equal passion.
Pike was said to have abhorred the thought of living beside arrogant slaveholders and their repulsive human property. Pike wrote that a solid phalanx of aggression rears its black head everywhere south of Mason and Dixon's line, banded for the propagation of Slavery all over the continent. His book was a sensation, and although many in the north thought it propaganda and a farce, it was said to have been in step with the majority of opinion throughout the south.
"A sweeping indictment of Republican rule in this state (and, by inference, other southern states), Pike's dramatic, "eye-witness account gained much attention throughout the country. The book was so popular because it was seen as the work of an allegedly impartial Maine Republican and old foe of slavery who had come to his senses about the "wicked corruption" of the carpetbaggers and their "ignorant and barbaric" Negro allies. Pike's book not only played a role in the ending of Reconstruction but was much used by historians well into the twentieth century.
In fact, it was far from objective, simply reflecting Pike's long-standing racism. His reports were, widely quoted, bitterly attacked or enthusiastically praised; they exerted a profound influence upon public opinion and gave to their author national prominence, first as an uncompromising anti-slavery Whig, and later as an ardent Republican. James Shepherd Pike was a Yankee, a Republican, and an Abolitionist. Here is his personal account of reconstruction in South Carolina. A story of scoundrels, scalawags, and carpetbaggers; of bribery, corruption, and incompetence. Published in 1874, "The Prostrate State" rocked the North. It weakened resolve to continue military rule and helped return traditional Southern ruling classes to power. During the mid 19th century. In 1854 he led the fight against the Kansas-Nebraska Act, calling for the formation of a new political entity to oppose it.He was a Radical Republican and abolitionist who later withdrew from the party. Please see our other books too! The item "SOUTH CAROLINA UNDER NEGRO GOVERNMENT Confederate Civil War US GRANT Slavery CSA" is in sale since Friday, March 27, 2020. This item is in the category "Books\Antiquarian & Collectible".
The seller is "rebel_soldier" and is located in Cameron, North Carolina. This item can be shipped worldwide.