The Civil War in Kansas: Ten Years of Turmoil

by Debra Goodrich Bisel, Richard B. Myers (Foreword)

In the 1850s, the eyes of the world were on Kansas. The Civil War in Kansas will be an overview of the years 1854-1865, since the war began in Kansas nearly seven years before it spread to the rest of the nation. From the repeal of the Missouri Compromise to its entry in the Union, Kansas played a small role in the war as a whole, but its effects on the state were nonetheless important. With regards to the Kansas citizens who played a part, it would be an understatement to call them "colorful." From John Brown to Jim Lane, Kansans made headlines throughout the nation and the world. Bisel presents the history of Kansas during the Civil War years in an accessible way that will satisfy history buffs as well as enlighten novices.

Genres: History, Civil War, Transmississippi, American Civil War

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2012

Reviews

[Dave]

A good book for anyone who would like to gain a basic understanding of the part Kansans and Missourians played during the Civil War. All my life I had heard stories about "Bleeding kansas". This is a short little book that does not go very deep into the issue. But it does give a reader a chance to understand the basics of the situation. I reccomend it

[Kelly]

The book does a great job of highlighting events in Kansas as they pertain to the years preceding during the civil war. The epilogue provides conclusion by summarizing the life events of the characters in the book following years of the civil war. As someone who doesn’t read a ton of historical nonfiction, the wrap up was appreciated. This book is a solid 4.5 stars and recommended to anyone with a passing interest in civil war and/or Kansas history.

[Lynne Fruechting]

Learned about the bloodiness of the civil war years in Kansas and a little of how conflicted people were, with both pro slavery and anti slavery folks living close together. Found it difficult to keep track of all the people mentioned so it was work to get through the book.

[Denise Busenitz]

Excellent Kansas read!

Great book on Kansas days during the Civil War. Thoughtful and not just cliched repetition. Well written as it was easy to read but also thought provoking. Hoping to read more by this author.

[Kendall Gott]

I am reading this again in support of a current project. Debra makes clear a discombobulated period of Kansas history. She keeps the reader's interest with a wonderful writing style and pertinent stories. Be warned, if you pick it up you won't be able to put it down.

[Tim Shepard]

Some good information about Bleeding Kansas in the book. MS. Goodwin has done a great deal of research and found many sources outside the usually quoted ones. Well done. A little slow in reading but a good book regardless.

[Els]

One of those rare gems in the volume dump that I actually want to go back and read. Maybe. Someday.

[Mike Keil]

Reads like a series of articles collected into a book. Interesting but disjointed and not a lot of detail to flesh out the story.

[Jackie]

To sum up the history of Bleeding Kansas with Bisel's own words, "Missouri is a mess."

[Debi]

Good overview of what was happening in KS prior to the Civil War.

[Chris J]

Poorly written.

[Rod Beemer]

I just finished reading Deb Goodrich Bisel‘s latest book The Civil War in Kansas: Ten Years of Turmoil . I’m a native Kansan and a student of history, but I can honestly say I learned some things about Kansas that I didn’t previously know. The writing is clear, concise, and documented which makes for a great historical read for anyone anywhere. Every Kansan, especially school kids, should read this book to fully appreciate the sacrifices it took to forge our great state.

[Barb Innes]

I love local history! I grew up in Lawrence so this book met this passion. ONLY recently did I realize the battles in Kansas and Missouri led up and were part of the Civil War. I don't remember hearing much except about Quantrell's raid. Now I find myself, seeking out informative and accurate books pertaining to this period. My mom listed to the author with KU's Osher's series and so I wanted to read her book she discussed.

[Jo Young Switzer]

This well-documented readable scholarly book gives a dramatic and horrifying window into the violence and unrest between the pro-slavery forces in Missouri and the abolitionist settlers in Kansas. It is written in a way that lets those familiar with eastern Kansas cities and geography a vivid picture of that troubling time. It is a micro-picture of the brutality, the sacrifice, the disorganization, and the death of the Civil War.

[Jimmy]

This book was a bit of a disappointment. Less than half of the book was actually about the Civil War and the coverage of the war years was a bit scattered. It covered only a couple of battles that involved Kansas troops, like Wilson's Creek and the 1864 Price's invasion of Missouri.

[Matthew Kutilek]

A basic summary of the war in Kansas.

[Alice Eberhart-wright]

For someone who has not had a passion for history, I am on a new track through Deb's colorful writing. I love the short chapters, pictures, and fun writing style.

[Andy May]

A good book, but she skips over some important events.