Brought Forth on This Continent: Abraham Lincoln and American Immigration By Harold Holzer

In "Brought Forth on This Continent," acclaimed Abraham Lincoln historian Harold Holzer offers a groundbreaking account of Lincoln's grappling with the politics of immigration against the backdrop of the Civil War. Holzer explores how the influx of ten million foreign-born people in the three decades before the Civil War altered the nation's demographics, culture, and voting patterns. He delves into the tensions and violence that arose from nativist bigotry and how these issues affected Lincoln's political career.

Holzer charts Lincoln's evolution from a member of an increasingly nativist political party to an immigration champion. He highlights how Lincoln's views on immigration and abolition were intertwined, and how immigrants played a crucial role in the Civil War. Holzer argues that the war could not have been won without Lincoln's leadership, but it also could not have been fought without the immigrant soldiers who served and died for the nation.

"Brought Forth on This Continent" is an illuminating work that assesses Lincoln's life and legacy through the lens of immigration. Holzer's analysis reveals remarkable similarities between the nineteenth century and the twenty-first, shedding light on the ongoing debates and challenges surrounding immigration in America.

Overall, "Brought Forth on This Continent" is a captivating and thought-provoking book that offers a fresh perspective on Lincoln's political career and the impact of immigration on American society. Holzer's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this book a must-read for anyone interested in Lincoln, immigration, or American history. 📚❤️