Performing Disunion: The Coming of the Civil War in Charleston, South Carolina (Cambridge Studies on the American South)
Cambridge University Press, 6/21/2018
EAN 9781316636213, ISBN10: 1316636216
Paperback, 568 pages, 22.8 x 15.3 x 3.7 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English
This book traces how and why the secession of the South during the American Civil War was accomplished at ground level through the actions of ordinary men. Adopting a micro-historical approach, Lawrence T. McDonnell works to connect small events in new ways - he places one company of the secessionist Minutemen in historical context, exploring the political and cultural dynamics of their choices. Every chapter presents little-known characters whose lives and decisions were crucial to the history of Southern disunion. McDonnell asks readers to consider the past with fresh eyes, analyzing the structure and dynamics of social networks and social movements. He presents the dissolution of the Union through new events, actors, issues, and ideas, illuminating the social contradictions that cast the South's most conservative city as the radical heart of Dixie.
Introduction
politics, chess, hats
Part I. Context
The Citadel Besieged
1. Envisioning Charleston
2. Wayward loyalties
3. Bone and sinew
4. The threat of the counterfeit
5. The semblance of safety
6. Rose of revolution
Part II. Contradictions
Stand Nobly Together
7. The appearance of a solid column
8. War of factions
9. Carry out the great drama
10. Men well-tried and true
11. The noble game
12. The soul of chivalry
13. Nothing but cash
14. The measure of a man
15. A revolution in hats
Part III. Crisis
Fire and Sword
16. One of the b'hoys
17. A true index of character
18. Heroes, one and all
19. One wind lifts many flags.