A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them

Discover a pivotal, yet often overlooked, chapter of American history in A Fever in the Heartland. This gripping narrative sheds light on the 1920s, an era often remembered for its Jazz Age glamour, but also a time when the Ku Klux Klan reached unprecedented levels of power, extending its influence far beyond the Confederacy into the American Heartland and West.

The book details the insidious rise of the Klan, fueled by a charismatic con man, D.C. Stephenson, who masterfully manipulated public sentiment. His strategy brought the hate group into the open, gaining endorsements from pulpits and community gatherings, and attracting members from across the political and social spectrum, including judges, governors, and senators. This period saw the Klan actively working to deny Black Americans, Jews, Catholics, and immigrants their fundamental rights.

At the height of Stephenson's power, a seemingly ordinary woman, Madge Oberholtzer, emerged as a crucial figure. Her courage in exposing his cruelties and her deathbed testimony ultimately led to the Klan's downfall. This work is a compelling exploration of one of America's darkest historical threads, presented with narrative skill.

Recognized as a New York Times Bestseller and a notable work by The Washington Post, NPR, Kirkus Reviews, and others, A Fever in the Heartland offers a powerful and chillingly relevant account. It is a significant contribution to History & Politics and Current Affairs, earning its place among prestigious Award Winners.