The Impending Crisis, 1848-1861

If you are a Civil War buff or a student of American history, this book is a must have. It is a must read. Potter has written the definitive look at the years leading up to the Civil War, especially the 1850s. The book starts out dealing with the Wilmot Proviso in 1848 and goes right up to the firing on Fort Sumter in 1861. In between, Potter tells us of all the economic, social, and, especially, political causes of the sectional tensions. The most brilliant thing about Potter's book seems rather simple--he tells the story as the people who lived it saw it. Too often, as Potter himself points out, historians have dealt with the 1850s as simply a precursor to the war or dealt with the issues and somewhat glossed over them because hindsight allowed them to know what was going to happen. Potter tries to leave hindsight out of it and just present the facts as they occurred in the years 1848-1861. What the reader gets is a great view of the people and events of the time as they happened and what their direct causes were. The many other reviewers will probably do better than I can, but simply put, if you are interested in the antebellum history, the Civil War, American politics, or just looking for a good read, pick up this book. You won't be disappointed.

I picked this book up at used book store a few years ago. It's now in tatters. I've read it a half-dozen times (more, probably). At least one of those times I finished it, then just started all over. Mr. Potter's analysis and insights on all events leading up to the civil war are the best I've ever seen: clear, consise, logical. Never boring, often humorous, it's an outstanding book. Grab it while it's still in print. You won't be sorry.

David Potter's The Impending Crisis is the definitive account of the events leading up to the Civil War. Some works attempt to condense the causes of the war down to a few general themes and cite the "big events" which naturally support those conclusions. Potter's work is rich and comprehensive, detailing the struggles and legislative battles of unyielding political forces. You get the sense of a history told in real time-none of the legislators who attempted to forge compromises and continue to work within the legislative process could have envisioned the war to come, let alone its extent. The book suggests that the causes of the war should not be placed in a few convenient categories to evaluate their effect. In fact, every detail and every development does matter. For any history buff interested in understanding the political developments leading up to the war, this is a must.

David M Potter's book "The Impending Crisis" is magnificent in its vivid portrail of the sectional conflict in the 1850's. If you ever thought the 1850's was merely a prelude to the Civil War, this book will make you think twice. It's vivid descriptions make the 1850's come alive with unique characters and personalities, that make this book a true pleasure to read. The author's dramatic use of words makes for one of the book's greatest impact on the reader. The book is a bit long, but well worth the time and patience it takes to read it. Once you read this book, you'll never look at the 1850's in the same way again.