Photo: Frank Ruiter
THE DIVIDED STATES OF AMERICA
The American civil war, the role of Europe and Belgium and the risks of a new civil war
The storming of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., was the trigger for a book on the Civil war. The author explores the paths that may led to a new civil conflict in the world’s largest democracy. During the Civil War (1861-1865) between the Northern and Southern states, nearly one million people were killed. The reason for the conflict was slavery. The central issue in the internal fraternal dispute was democracy. And this is once again at stake in the present political and social context. Many lessons can be learned from the American Civil War. The author also explores the rather unknown story of the role in the European diplomacy of the Belgian king Leopold I as a secret proponent of the Confederacy and the faith of many Belgian immigrants who fought on both sides.
Johan Op de Beeck has published six books on Napoleon and his era. He has also published highly acclaimed books on the origins of Belgium in 1830 and the history of kings such as the Sun King Louis XIV and the controversial king Leopold II. The French Revolution and Versailles are more recent books. The author has also published exciting historical thrillers, connecting the past with the present





Johan Op de Beeck regularly gives lectures on his books in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Johan Op de Beeck has created highly acclaimed radio series and podcasts for Klara (VRT – public broadcasting radio) and other podcast providers.