Includes bibliographical references (p. 401-429) and index.
Contents
The language of terrifying prophecy : disunion debates in the early republic -- We claim our rights : the advent of abolitionism -- Ruinous tendencies : the anti-abolition backlash -- The idea will become familiar : disunion in the era of mass party politics -- Oh for a man who is a man : debating slavery's expansion -- That is revolution! : the crisis of 1850 -- Beneath the iron heel : fugitive slaves and bleeding Kansas -- To consummate its boldest designs : the slave power confronts the republicans -- War to the knife : images of the coming fight -- Epilogue: The Rubicon is passed : the war and beyond.
Summary
Varon blends political history with intellectual and cultural history to examine the ongoing debates over disunion that long preceded the secession crisis. She focuses not only on politicians but also on a wide range of reformers, editors, writers, and commentators.
