Seeking the One Great Remedy

This biography of Francis George Shaw reveals his pivotal role in American reform movements. Seeking the One Great Remedy highlights his radical principles and family legacy.

In Seeking the One Great Remedy, Lorien Foote explores the life of Francis George Shaw (1809–1882), a radical abolitionist and early feminist who played a significant role in American reform movements. Shaw's commitment to social justice extended beyond abolition; he was a vocal critic of capitalism and embraced a utopian socialist vision. Throughout the Civil War and Reconstruction, he worked tirelessly to apply his radical principles to support the Northern war effort and advocate for freedmen's rights. His partnership with Henry George in the late 1870s helped to disseminate his ideas on a broader international stage.

The biography delves into the Shaw family's extensive involvement in the reform movements of their time, providing valuable insights into their influence on public opinion during pivotal historical moments. Francis George Shaw is perhaps most recognized as the father of Robert Gould Shaw, a figure immortalized in the film Glory. The Shaws’ efforts to shape perceptions during the Civil War, especially following their son's tragic death, illustrate how they turned personal loss into a powerful tool for advocacy, significantly altering Northern attitudes toward the war and the Massachusetts Fifty-fourth regiment.

Seeking the One Great Remedy ultimately argues that social radicalism was a prominent force among elite reformers during and after the Civil War. Through the narrative of Francis George Shaw, Foote presents a compelling case for understanding the broader implications of radical thought in shaping American society.