Overview

The year 1844 saw a momentous presidential election, religious turmoil, westward expansion, and numerous other interwoven events that profoundly affected the U.S. as a nation. Author and journalist John Bicknell details these compelling events in this unusual history book. He explains how the election of James K. Polk assured the expansion that brought Texas, California, and Oregon into the union. This took place amidst anti-Mormon and anti-Catholic violence, the belief in the imminent second coming of Christ, the murder of Joseph Smith, 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 future and how Polk’s victory cemented the vision of a continental nation.

Reviews

“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  

"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

"The year 1844 stands as a hinge moment in U.S. history, when powerful developments converged upon the country in politics, in diplomacy, in religion, in exploration, and in technology. In sprightly and robust prose, John Bicknell narrates this pivotal year by capturing the virtues, foibles and remarkable endeavors of giant figures—Henry Clay, James Polk, Thomas Benton, Samuel Morse, Charles Goodyear, John Fremont, Joseph Smith, and many more. This book is as enjoyable as it is enlightening.” —Robert W. Merry, author of A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American Continent

"Politics, religion, slavery, diplomacy and the annexation of Texas. John Bicknell's woven together the forces that drove American expansion into a thoroughly engaging narrative that wraps the reader into his abiding fascination with our history and reminds us of how much is at stake in our political fights." — Jonathan Allen, co-author of HRC: State Secrets and the Rebirth of Hillary Clinton

“Bicknell’s consideration of this watershed in American history is solid…Bicknell’s brisk work is still an accessible and informative take on antebellum American politics.” —Publishers  Weekly

Author Biography