Performing Disunion: The Coming of the Civil War in Charleston, South Carolina (Cambridge Studies on the American South)

Synopsis

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 Microhistorical Approach, Lawrence T. Mcdonnell Connects Small Events In New Ways--placing One Company Of Teh Secessionist Minute Men In Historical Context, Exploring The Political And Cultural Dynamics Of Their Choices. Each 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. Envisioning Charleston -- Wayward Loyalties -- Bone And Sinew -- The Threat Of The Counterfeit -- The Semblance Of Safety -- Rose Of Revolution -- The Appearance Of A Solid Column -- War Of Factions -- Carry Out The Great Drama -- Men Well-tried And True -- The Noble Game -- The Soul Of Chivalry -- Nothing But Cash -- The Measure Of A Man -- A Revolution In Hats -- One Of The B'hoys -- A True Index Of Character -- Heroes, One And All -- One Wind Lifts Many Flags -- Epilogue. Lawrence T. Mcdonnell, Iowa State University. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 495-533) And Index.