Americanism Contrasted with Foreignism, Romanism, and Bogus Democracy in the Light of Reason, History, and Scripture; In which Certain Demagogues in Tennessee, and Elsewhere, are Shown Up in Their True Colors by William Gannaway Brownlow — Summary & Review

William Gannaway Brownlow's Americanism Contrasted with Foreignism, Romanism, and Bogus Democracy is a sweeping, polemical work rooted in the turbulent politics of 1850s America. The book vigorously opposes Roman Catholicism and the Democratic party, portraying them as intertwined threats to American civil and religious liberties. Brownlow defends the American Party (Know Nothings) platform, emphasizing native-born Protestant values and warning against foreign immigration, secret Catholic oaths, and political conspiracies.

The text is structured around detailed political events, speeches, and controversies, including denunciations of prominent figures like Governor Andrew Johnson and Democratic leaders, whom Brownlow accuses of corruption, hypocrisy, and alliance with Catholic interests. He contrasts these with patriotic profiles of American Party nominees Millard Fillmore and Andrew J. Donelson, praised for their native birth, integrity, and loyalty to the Union.

Religious conflict is central. Brownlow challenges Catholic political influence by citing papal bulls, Jesuit oaths, and Catholic doctrines such as mental reservation, arguing these undermine allegiance to the U.S. Constitution. He accuses Catholic clergy of wielding absolute control through secret societies and oaths incompatible with American republicanism. Protestantism, especially Methodism, is defended as the true guardian of liberty and moral order.

Slavery is addressed with biblical and historical justification. Brownlow asserts slavery as divinely sanctioned and integral to early Christian society, condemning Northern abolitionists as hypocritical agitators who incite violence and social disorder. He contrasts the conditions of Southern slaves favorably against free blacks in the North, framing abolitionism as a threat to social stability.

The book also documents fierce political factionalism and personal attacks, including Brownlow’s public disputes with political and religious opponents accused of criminality or moral failings. The tone is combative, urgent, and often sarcastic, aiming to rally native-born Protestant Americans to resist what Brownlow sees as a foreign and Catholic takeover of American institutions.

Overall, the work presents a vivid, if partisan, snapshot of mid-19th century American anxieties about immigration, religion, slavery, and political loyalty, grounded in extensive historical references, contemporary political events, and religious polemics.