In He Has the People: Abraham Lincoln and the Election of 1860, author Jonathan Earle retells the story of one of the most consequential elections in American history. The book centers on Abraham Lincoln’s rise from relative obscurity to national prominence, emphasizing his political skill, moral clarity, and ability to connect with ordinary voters. Earle presents Lincoln not as an inevitable hero, but as a shrewd strategist navigating a fractured political landscape marked by deep sectional and partisan tensions.
Earle’s account begins prior to 1860, with various events such as John Brown’s raid, Bleeding Kansas, and the rise of sectionalism. The 1860 presidential election featured four political candidates, each representing a different faction of the electorate. The year’s political proceedings were marked by infighting in conventions, attempts at compromise and fusion candidates that failed, and the grasping attempts of one long standing political leader to outwit his key intrastate rival as they contended for the Presidency.
Earle also carefully traces the collapse of both the Whigs and Know-Nothing movement, and the subsequent emergence of the Republican coalition, showing how Lincoln managed to unify diverse factions. This counters the division within Democratic circles around slavery and popular sovereignty, leading to a schism within the party. The narrative also highlights the roles of lesser known figures, giving readers a broader understanding of the political environment that shaped the election.
The prose is engaging and well paced, making the book suitable for both general readers and students of history. Overall, He Has the People succeeds as an informative and compelling study of leadership and democracy at a pivotal moment. It reminds readers that Lincoln’s victory was not predetermined, but earned through strategy, perceived moderation, and having rallied the coalition of northern Republicans to his side.
MY RATING: 4.5
