The Origins of the American Civil War

by Reid,Brian Holden

• ISBN13: 9780582491786
• ISBN10: 0582491789
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 1996-08-13
• Publisher: PRENTICE HALL SCHOOL GROUP

Summary

The American Civil War (1861-65) was the bloodiest war of the nineteenth century and its impact continues to be felt today. It, and its origins have been studied more intensively than any other period in American history, yet it remains profoundly controversial. Brian Holden Reid's formidable volume is a major contribution to this ongoing historical debate. Based on a wealth of primary research, it examines every aspect of the origins of the conflict and addresses key questions such as was it an avoidable tragedy, or a necessary catharsis for a divided nation? How far was slavery the central issue? Why should the conflict have errupted into violence and why did it not escalate into world war?

Table of Contents

Introduction

An American Experiment in Democracy

The South and Its Peculiar Institution

Sectional Tensions Resolved, 1840-50

Sectional Tensions Unresolved, 1850-58

Anticipations of War, 1858-60

The Year of Decision: 1860

The Secession Crisis: Southern Challenges, Northern Responses

The Final Crisis: Fort Sumter

The Origins of a Punitive Civil War: Why Did the War Not Spread?

Conclusion

Bibliography

Maps

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.