Summary & Analysis - A Fever In The Heartland: Based On The Book By Timothy Egan

SUMMARY & ANALYSIS

A FEVER IN THE HEARTLAND

BASED ON THE BOOK BY TIMOTHY EGAN

SUMMARY WRITTEN BY: BOOK SUMMARY STATION

CONTENT

The Resurgence of Hate

Indiana: Fertile Ground for the Klan

D.C. Stephenson: The Charismatic Leader

The Klan's Growing Influence

Opposition and Resistance

Excesses and Immorality

Madge Oberholtzer: A Victim's Stand

The Trial of D.C. Stephenson

The Fall of the Klan

Analysis

ABOUT THE ORIGINAL BOOK

"A Fever in the Heartland" by Timothy Egan tells the gripping story of D.C. Stephenson, a charismatic and ruthless leader who transformed the Ku Klux Klan into a powerful force in Indiana during the 1920s. The book explores how Stephenson exploited social anxieties and prejudices to gain political control, exposing corruption within the state government. It highlights the courage of Madge Oberholtzer, whose tragic fate and dying declaration ultimately led to Stephenson's conviction and the decline of the Klan's influence. The book examines themes of hate, power, and the fragility of democracy in the face of extremism.

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Release date

Audiobook: 1 March 2025