America 1844: Religious Fervor, Westward Expansion, and the Presidential Election That Transformed a Nation

(Paperback)

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The presidential election of 1844 was one of the two or three most momentous elections in American history. Had Henry Clay won instead of James K. Polk, we'd be living in a very different country today. It cemented the westward expansion that brought Texas, California, and Oregon into the union. It also took place amid religious turmoil that included anti-Mormon and anti-Catholic violence, and the "Great Disappointment" in which thousands of followers of an obscure preacher named William Miller believed Christ would return to Earth in October 1844. Author and journalist John Bicknell details even more compelling, interwoven events that occurred during this momentous yearthe murder of Joseph Smith, the religious fermentation of the Second Great Awakening, John C. Frmont's exploration of the West, Charles Goodyear's patenting of vulcanized rubber, the near-death of President John Tyler in a freak naval explosion, and much more. All of these elements illustrate the competing visions of the American futureDemocrats v. Whigs, Mormons v. Millerites, nativists v. Catholics, those who risked the venture westward and those who stayed safely behindand how Polk's victory cemented the vision of a continental nation.

Reviews

In this elegantly researched and lively narrative, John Bicknell tells the story of 1844, a pivotal year for a muscular young nation pressing forward on multiple fronts even as the struggle over slavery looms larger. Giants like Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun share the spotlight with a spectrum of colorful and captivating personalities, among them President John Tyler, presidential aspirant James K. Polk, firearms expert Samuel Colt, explorer John C. Fremont and religious leaders Joseph Smith and William Miller. --Guy Gugliotta, author of Freedom's Cap: The United States Capitol and the Coming of the Civil War

"A historical treasure trove recorded with verve and insight. Fascinating tales of an era and personalities you thought you knew--but didn't until now." --David Pietrusza, historian and author of 1920: The Year of Six Presidents

"A thrilling chronicle of America in a critical year. In an ambitious young republic, some saw a limitless future while others believed the world was coming to an end. In Bicknell's skilled hands this incredible cast of characters, presidents and prophets alike, come to life in all of their glory. Don't miss this riveting story of political warfare and westward expansion." --Chris DeRose, award winning author of The Presidents' War, Congressman Lincoln, and Founding Rivals

Author Bio

John Bicknell is the author of Lincoln's Pathfinder and has written and edited for Congressional Quarterly, FCW, and Roll Call. He also coedited the of the 2012 edition of Politics in America, a 1,200-page guide to the US Congress. He lives in Haymarket, Virginia.