War, Politics, and Reconstruction: Stormy Days in Louisiana (Southern Classics) - Softcover

Warmoth, Henry Clay

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1570036438 ISBN 13: 9781570036439

Publisher: University of South Carolina Press, 2006

Synopsis

A memoir of the ambitious life and controversial political career of Louisiana governor Henry Clay Warmoth (1842-1931), War, Politics, and Reconstruction is a firsthand account of the political and social machinations of Civil War America and the war's aftermath in one of the most volatile states of the defeated Confederacy. An Illinois native, Warmoth arrived in Louisiana in 1864 as part of the federal occupation forces. Upon leaving military service in 1865, he established himself in private legal practice in New Orleans. Taking full advantage of the chaotic times, Warmoth rapidly amassed fortune and influence, and soon emerged as a leader of the state's Republican Party and, in 1868, was elected governor. Amid an administration rife with scandal and corruption, the Louisiana Republican Party broke into warring factions. Warmoth survived an impeachment attempt in 1872, but a second attempt in 1873 culminated with his removal from office. This fall from Republican grace stemmed from his allegiance with white conservatives, remnants of the old guard, and staunch opponents of those Republicans who sought a wider role for African Americans in Louisiana's changing political landscape. Despite Warmoth's obvious self-serving biases, the volume offers unparalleled depth of personal insight into the inner workings of Reconstruction government in Louisiana in the words of one of its key architects.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

The post-Civil War period was one in which carpetbaggers from the Union took up positions of influence within the South and used the power of the occupying army for their own benefit. During his time in office, Henry Clay Warmoth was accused of such actions. War, Politics and Reconstruction is his answer to his critics.
Henry Clay Warmoth became a district attorney at the age of eighteen. He served with the Union army in the Civil War and was wounded at Vicksburg, Mississippi. Dishonorably discharged in the quarrel between generals Grant and McClernand, Warmoth was restored to service by President Lincoln. After the war, he relocated to Louisiana, where in 1868 he was elected governor. Warmoth presided over a Reconstruction administration that was characterized by corruption. He died in 1931.

About the Author:

John C. Rodrigue is an associate professor of history at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of South Carolina Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1570036438
• ISBN 13: 9781570036439
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 285