The Vote That Made the President By: David Dudley Field (1805-1894)
In his thought-provoking work, The Vote That Made the President, author David Dudley Field delves deep into the intricacies of the American political system, analyzing a critical turning point in the nation's history. With meticulous research and eloquent prose, Field constructs a captivating narrative that immerses readers in the suspenseful events surrounding the contentious 1876 presidential election. Field's ability to transport readers to the late 19th century is commendable. Through vivid descriptions and detailed historical references, he masterfully recreates the political climate of the era, shedding light on the tumultuous aftermath of the Civil War and the Reconstruction period. By weaving together accounts from multiple perspectives, Field provides a comprehensive and well-rounded examination of the events leading up to the election. One of the book's greatest strengths is Field's objective approach to analyzing the controversial election of 1876. Rather than succumbing to personal biases or a partisan narrative, he presents the facts and explores the motivations and strategies of the key players involved. This balanced perspective allows readers to form their own opinions and gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors that shaped this pivotal moment in American democracy. Field's attention to detail is evident throughout the book, as he meticulously dissects the legal battles, backroom dealings, and political maneuverings that culminated in the resolution of the election. The author's thorough research and comprehensive analysis provide readers with valuable insights into the inner workings of the American electoral system, highlighting the extraordinary challenges faced by the nation during that time. Despite the book's many strengths, there are a few minor shortcomings. At times, Field's writing style leans towards the scholarly side, making it slightly inaccessible for casual readers interested in American history. Additionally, the book could have benefitted from more visual aids, such as maps or photographs, to help readers visualize the complex political landscape. Overall, The Vote That Made the President is a compelling and enlightening read for anyone interested in American political history. David Dudley Field's meticulous research, balanced perspective, and captivating storytelling make this book an invaluable resource for understanding the pivotal 1876 election. Though requiring a moderate level of engagement due to its scholarly nature, the book rewards readers with a deeper appreciation for the intricate machinery of democracy and its impact on the shaping of a nation. First Page: THE VOTE THAT MADE THE PRESIDENT. BY DAVID DUDLEY FIELD. NEW YORK: D. APPLETON & COMPANY, 549 & 551 BROADWAY. 1877. COPYRIGHT BY DAVID DUDLEY FIELD. 1877. THE VOTE THAT MADE THE PRESIDENT. At ten minutes past four o'clock on the second morning of the present month (March, 1877), the President of the Senate of the United States, in the presence of the two Houses of Congress, made this announcement: "The whole number of the electors appointed to vote for President and Vice President of the United States is 369, of which a majority is 185. The state of the vote for President of the United States, as delivered by the tellers, and as determined under the act of Congress, approved January 29, 1877, on this subject, is: for Rutherford B. Hayes, of Ohio, 185 votes; for Samuel J. Tilden, of New York, 184 votes;" and then, after mentioning the votes for Vice President, he proceeded: "Wherefore I do declare, that Rutherford B. Hayes, of Ohio, having received a majority of the whole number of electoral votes, is duly elected President of the United States for four years, commencing on the fourth day of March, 1877." Mr. Hayes was thus declared elected by a majority of one. If any vote counted for him had been counted on the other side, Mr. Tilden, instead of Mr... Continue reading book >>

The Vote That Made the President By: David Dudley Field (1805-1894)

In his thought-provoking work, The Vote That Made the President, author David Dudley Field delves deep into the intricacies of the American political system, analyzing a critical turning point in the nation's history. With meticulous research and eloquent prose, Field constructs a captivating narrative that immerses readers in the suspenseful events surrounding the contentious 1876 presidential election.

Field's ability to transport readers to the late 19th century is commendable. Through vivid descriptions and detailed historical references, he masterfully recreates the political climate of the era, shedding light on the tumultuous aftermath of the Civil War and the Reconstruction period. By weaving together accounts from multiple perspectives, Field provides a comprehensive and well-rounded examination of the events leading up to the election.

One of the book's greatest strengths is Field's objective approach to analyzing the controversial election of 1876. Rather than succumbing to personal biases or a partisan narrative, he presents the facts and explores the motivations and strategies of the key players involved. This balanced perspective allows readers to form their own opinions and gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors that shaped this pivotal moment in American democracy.

Field's attention to detail is evident throughout the book, as he meticulously dissects the legal battles, backroom dealings, and political maneuverings that culminated in the resolution of the election. The author's thorough research and comprehensive analysis provide readers with valuable insights into the inner workings of the American electoral system, highlighting the extraordinary challenges faced by the nation during that time.

Despite the book's many strengths, there are a few minor shortcomings. At times, Field's writing style leans towards the scholarly side, making it slightly inaccessible for casual readers interested in American history. Additionally, the book could have benefitted from more visual aids, such as maps or photographs, to help readers visualize the complex political landscape.

Overall, The Vote That Made the President is a compelling and enlightening read for anyone interested in American political history. David Dudley Field's meticulous research, balanced perspective, and captivating storytelling make this book an invaluable resource for understanding the pivotal 1876 election. Though requiring a moderate level of engagement due to its scholarly nature, the book rewards readers with a deeper appreciation for the intricate machinery of democracy and its impact on the shaping of a nation.

First Page:

THE VOTE THAT MADE THE PRESIDENT.

BY DAVID DUDLEY FIELD.

NEW YORK: D. APPLETON & COMPANY, 549 & 551 BROADWAY. 1877.

THE VOTE THAT MADE THE PRESIDENT.

At ten minutes past four o'clock on the second morning of the present month (March, 1877), the President of the Senate of the United States, in the presence of the two Houses of Congress, made this announcement: "The whole number of the electors appointed to vote for President and Vice President of the United States is 369, of which a majority is 185. The state of the vote for President of the United States, as delivered by the tellers, and as determined under the act of Congress, approved January 29, 1877, on this subject, is: for Rutherford B. Hayes, of Ohio, 185 votes; for Samuel J. Tilden, of New York, 184 votes;" and then, after mentioning the votes for Vice President, he proceeded: "Wherefore I do declare, that Rutherford B. Hayes, of Ohio, having received a majority of the whole number of electoral votes, is duly elected President of the United States for four years, commencing on the fourth day of March, 1877."

Mr. Hayes was thus declared elected by a majority of one. If any vote counted for him had been counted on the other side, Mr. Tilden, instead of Mr... Continue reading book >>

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Politics

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