Description
Book SynopsisThis book explores the interrelated themes of modernization and slavery, issues that created reform movements in the North, defensive sectionalism in the South, social disruption, and a general failure of political leadership. During this period the Union underwent the increasing strains of uneven social and economic development. Modernization and slavery provide the backdrop for the action and reaction of northern and southern players who sought but ultimately failed to allow an accommodation that would let competing social and economic institutions coexist.
Table of ContentsForeword vii
Preface xi
Chronology of Events xiii
Introduction 1
Genesis of Colonial Slavery 2
The Constitutional Debate on Slavery 5
Regional Development and New Discord 7
Impact of Reform 13
Chapter One: Tensions 18
Abolitionism and National Politics 19
Emerging Sectionalism 22
States’ Rights: Theory and Practice 26
Depression and the Second American Party System 29
Southern Fears 34
The High Tide of Reform 37
Chapter Two: A Temporary Armistice 45
Tippecanoe, Tyler, and Texas 46
Expansion and War with Mexico 49
Stalemate 54
California and Compromise 58
A Prophetic Statement 64
Chapter Three: Kansas, First Phase 69
Whig Disintegration 71
Young America 74
The Kansas-Nebraska Bill 79
Birth of the Republican Party 85
Bleeding Kansas 87
Chapter Four: Disruption 96
The Election of 1856 97
Dred Scott 99
Kansas, Second Phase 104
Lincoln and Douglas 109
John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry 113
Panic and Political Paralysis 115
Chapter Five: Disunion 121
The Election of 1860 121
The Lower South Secedes 130
Buchanan and the National Crisis 131
War Begins 137
Bibliographical Explanations 144
Index 175
Maps
The United States in 1850 44
The Kansas Nebraska Act, 1854 68
The Election of 1860 120
