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A Linnet Book
Grades 7–up
Publication: March 2001
xiv, 130 p., illus.
Cloth, 0-208-02446-8
$25.00
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“Gr. 6-9 -- Zeinert has done a competent job of discussing what is probably one of the most complicated aspects of earlier U.S. history. A short introduction explains the creation of the Kansas Territory by the enactment of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. This piece of federal legislation set the stage, or was the prelude, as the author has aptly chosen to call it, for the Civil War. Next comes a map of the area, an annotated listing of the major players, and a chronology. Then the text clearly illustrates how the question of slavery in Kansas, which was to be determined by the people of the state, became a national issue with groups from the North and the South sending money, arms, militia, and settlers to support the various factions in Kansas. The conflict is described in terms of the people involved -- settlers, Free Staters, abolitionists, politicians (local, territorial, and federal), pro-slavery Southerners, Jayhawkers, border ruffians, and bushwhackers. A time line dates from 1854 to 1861 when Kansas finally achieved statehood and Fort Sumter was fired upon. Period photos and reproductions of many of the notables associated with this conflict appear throughout. Excerpts from diaries of those involved add to the authenticity of the text. . . . A fascinating and enlightening title, and a must for any collection of Civil War-era material.” -- School Library Journal (06/01/01)
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Tragic Prelude
Bleeding Kansas
by Karen Zeinert
In 1854, the U.S. Congress created Kansas Territory. Whether it would become a slave state, or free, was up to its citizens—so abolitionist Northerners and proslavery Southerners plied their influence on the settlers. Others took the direct route: they rushed into the territory to claim it for their own political side.
So began a conflict which would be called "Bleeding Kansas" for the shocking violence that left over 200 dead as the two sides sparred for control. The cast of characters ranged from Stephen Douglas, the architect of the Kansas-Nebraska Act whose presidential ambitions were veiled; to Missouri "border ruffians," who slid in and out of the area to pack elections and terrorize free staters; to fanatical John Brown, whose strategy in the Potawatomie Massacre called for "making examples" of the proslavery corpses he left behind; to Sheriff Jones, who enjoyed federal backing in the sack of free-state Lawrence; to all manner of politicians who promoted or ducked the issues so clear in Kansas. The author weaves diaries and letters throughout the narrative to bring the confusion of this sad and violent time home to the reader.
What Karen Zeinert makes clear is how significant Kansas was. First, the conflict spread far beyond the territory, deepening the division over slavery in America, tearing apart one political party and giving rise to another. The endless struggle of "Bleeding Kansas" was a bell tolling, a dire warning and a foreshadowing of the catastrophe to come when America went to battle against itself in the Civil War.
About the Author
Karen Zeinert is a seasoned author of books on significant American events that were turning points, or microcosms, of the major issues of the time. Her other titles for Linnet are
“Gr. 6-up. Congress created the Kansas Territory in 1854. The struggle to determine whether the area would be a free or a slave state was immediate, bloody, and tragic. Zeinert uses primary and secondary accounts to present a readable, engaging history of ‘Bleeding Kansas.’ Fascinating historical personalities such as John Brown and Hannah Ropes are given equal time with political and military explanations (some graphically described), including influences preceding and following the struggle. The explanatory text is broken up by letters, diaries, and photographs that make the events seem more personal. A time line, a ‘Cast of Characters,’ a bibliography, and a recommended reading list are helpful features for student reference.” -- Booklist (06/01/01)
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