Wow! eBook
Showdown at the 1964 Democratic Convention: Lyndon Johnson, Mississippi and Civil Rights
Author(s): John C. Skipper (Author)
- Publisher: McFarland & Co
- Publication Date: 15 April 2012
- Edition: Illustrated
- Language: English
- Print length: 275 pages
- ISBN-10: 0786461616
- ISBN-13: 9780786461615
Book Description
In the summer of 1964, three forces converged at the Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey, each with the potential to shake the moorings of traditional democracy: the all-white segregationist delegation from Mississippi, a mostly black delegation determined to unseat the segregationists, and President Lyndon Johnson, who had signed the civil rights bill but wanted to avoid trouble that could jeopardize his chances of carrying the South in the November election. These groups struggled to reach a “”compromise”” that in the end epitomized sheer political power and its consequences. By examining the motivations of those involved, this volume explores how American politics and the civil rights movement faced head-to-head at the convention, how the federal government felt compelled to spy on its own people for purely political purposes, and how this interlude changed the political landscape for generations.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“a wonderfully constructed story and excellent account for everyone…highly recommended”―Choice; “this interesting volume on American civil rights history examines the competing factions at the 1964 Democratic National Convention and explores the ways in which demands from three power bases collided resulting in a realignment of the political course of race relations”―Reference & Research Book News.
About the Author
John C. Skipper, a political reporter for the Mason City (Iowa) Globe Gazette, has written numerous books on politics and baseball, including The Iowa Caucuses and acclaimed biographies of Grover Cleveland Alexander, Dazzy Vance and Charlie Gehringer.
