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Prelude to Civil War: The Nullification Controversy in South Carolina, 1816-1836
written by William W. Freehling
Studio : Oxford University Press, USA
by Oxford University Press, USA
Release Date : 1965-01-01
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
Released : 1992-06-04
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Number of Items : 1
EAN : 9780195076813
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 8 reviews)
List Price : $25.00
Our Price : $18.39
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Product Description |
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When William Freehling's Prelude to Civil War first appeared in 1965 it was immediately hailed as a brilliant and incisive study of the origins of the Civil War. Book Week called it "fresh, exciting, and convincing," while The Virginia Quarterly Review praised it as, quite simply, "history at its best." It was equally well-received by historical societies, garnering the Allan Nevins History Prize as well as a Bancroft Prize, the most prestigious history award of all. Now once again available, Prelude to Civil War is still the definitive work on the subject, and one of the most important in ante-bellum studies. It tells the story of the Nullification Controversy in South Carolina, describing how from 1816 to 1836 aristocratic planters of the Palmetto State tumbled from a contented and prosperous life of elegant balls and fine Madeira wines to a world rife with economic distress, guilt over slavery, and apprehension of slave rebellion. It shows in compelling detail how this reversal of fortune led the political leaders of South Carolina down the path to ever more radical states rights doctrines: in 1832 they were seeking to nullify federal law by refusing to obey it; four years later some of them were considering secession. As the story unfolds, we meet a colorful and skillfully drawn cast of characters, among them John C. Calhoun, who hoped nullifcation would save both his highest priority, slavery, and his next priority, union; President Andrew Jackson, who threatened to hang Calhoun and lead federal troops into South Carolina; Denmark Vesey, who organized and nearly brought off a slave conspiracy; and Martin Van Buren, the "Little Magician," who plotted craftily to replace Calhoun in Jackson's esteem. These and other important figures come to life in these pages, and help to tell a tale--often in their own words--central to an understanding of the war which eventually engulfed the United States. Demonstrating how a profound sensitivity to the still-shadowy slavery issue--not serious economic problems alone--led to the Nullification Controversy, Freehling revises many theories previously held by historians. He describes how fear of abolitionists and their lobbying power in Congress prompted South Carolina's leaders to ban virtually any public discussion of the South's "peculiar institution," and shows that while the Civil War had many beginnings, none was more significant than this single, passionate controversy. Written in a lively and eminently readable style, Prelude to Civil War is must reading for anyone trying to discover the roots of the conflict that soon would tear the Union apart. |
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Superb |
Focused on South Carolina politics in the period surrounding the Nullification Crisis, this is a superb exploration of the nature of Southern politics and society. Freehling produced a revisionist account of the Nullification Crisis. Prior accounts had stressed the economic embarrassment of cotton planters and reaction to the so-called 1828 Tariff of Abominations as the primary cause of the Nullification controversy. While not minimizing the importance of economic factors, Freehling produced a multifactorial explanation incorporating a sophisticated understanding of the Southern commitment to slavery. For example, Freehling points out that strong support for Nullification came from lowland rice planters who were not strongly affected by the collapse in cotton prices. By the mid-1820s, Carolina planters were feeling stresses from several directions. The collapse of cotton prices imposed considerable strains on cotton planters, particularly in the Piedmont. The Denmark Vesey conspiracy increased anxiety, particularly in lowland counties where blacks outnumbered whites, about possible slave rebellions, and the first stirrings of Northern anti-slavery sentiment produced what can only be termed a hysterical reaction among South Carolina planters. Carolina planters were also very aware of international trends, such as the increasing success of the anti-slavery movement in Britain. Freehling develops a very nice analysis of how these anxieties were inherent in the peculiar position of the planters. Convinced that they were natural aristocrats and inculcated with a disdain for commercial activities, they were also entrapped in an essentially colonial economy dependent on outside credit and markets. Slaveholders in a republic ostensibly based on natural human rights, they were exposed to the contradictions of their positions on a daily basis. In these circumstances, the Nullification movement was not only an effort to wrest more favorable economic conditions but also an effort to forestall Northern action on slavery.
Freehling does a masterly job of combining a close analysis of South Carolina politics with social and economic history. He is also particularly good on the relationship between local-regional politics and national politics. His conclusion that the responses of South Carolinians were driven to a very large extent by deep seated anxiety and ambivalence about slavery is argued convincingly. The analysis is embedded in a first rate narrative of events leading up to, during, and after the Nullification Crisis per se. Multiple aspects of the narrative and analysis are outstanding. Freehling's accounts of the complex internal politics of South Carolina are presented in seamless and consistently interesting fashion. His close analysis of Nullification doctrines and the role of John Calhoun is particularly illuminating, as is his description of how the Jackson administration responded to the Crisis.
Freehling concludes with an excellent section on the consequences of Nullification and associated events. It would leave many South Carolina radicals convinced that only secession would suit their interests. It would show them also that this would be possible only with the cooperation of the at least some other Southern states. It would lead also to a "positive" defense of slavery; efforts to portray slavery as a beneficial institution, something quite important for the future. Finally, the over-reaching response of South Carolinians and other Southerners to very modest anti-slavery efforts, epitomized by the Nullification Crisis and associated events like the subsequent Gag Rule controversy, provoked considerable Northern suspicion of Southern motives. South Carolina radicals were the abolitionists best friends. |
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Prelude to the Civil War |
Ironically, this book was assigned to me as an undergraduate social studies major in the early 70's and like many lazy students, I tried my best to skim through the volume and to read no more of it than was absolutely necessary to be prepared for class and to pass the exams.
Now, over 30 years later, I have taken the book from my shelf, dusted it off, and actually read it cover-to-cover.
I am happy to report that it is a wonderful study of the period that clarifies the motivations behind the complex series of actions and reactions of those who lived through it.
At the same time I am extremely sad to report that it would have been a great read when I was twenty ... better later than never certainly applies here! |
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Still the best work on Nullification |
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Despite the fact that this was first published in 1965, Freehling's work is still the source for the Nullification Controversy. To be sure, the book is at times tedious and because of the nature of nullification, at times it is very theoretical, but if you want to learn about nullification and the crisis that occurred because of it, read this book. I've read reviews of Freehling's other work where people complain of his writing style, but I thought this book actually read very well and Freehling explained things in a very concise, easily understood manner. At times, I must admit I found it hard to keep the theoretical aspects straight or all the players who were involved, but after reading this book, you will come away with an understanding of the nullification crisis. |
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South Carolina Starts the War |
"Prelude to Civil War" by William W. Freehling, © 1965, 1966
It seems that there was just not enough to keep these people from fighting. If it was not one thing it was another. This is the story of how South Carolina almost seceded from the Union alone in the 1830's. For some reason, that was not really clear to the participants, as well as me, why citizens of South Carolina got bothered by a tariff instituted by the federal government. There was some real problem with the slaves and the issue of freedom, and that got blown out of proportion by the fear of slave insurrection violence. There were some interesting sidelights to this story. It was a part of this argument in Congress that the famous Webster-Haynes slavery debate took place. It was also noted that slave owners understood Independence Day celebrations were not for everyone and they were troubled by trying to get the slaves to work (like it is any easier to get wage slaves to work either) and by the violence they sometimes used on them.
The problem that I saw through this book was the lack of adventure or other use of the energy the rich youth had: they were spoiling for a fight; as well as getting others to allow them (South Carolinians)to be themselves. |
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Early Stages of the Civil War |
It is impossible in history to set a definite time for the beginning or ending of an event large or small. Many 19th century historians believe the Civil War began around 1776. Dr. Freehling is of this opinion but in this book he brings us closer to the main event for a start.
Why is this book important? First, it is written by the foremost historian of 19th century America. Second, while giving credence to the economic issues that covered the real causes of war, Dr. Freehling decimates the theory that the war was mainly a struggle over two unique economies and the support of states' rights. He shows clearly the real issue at hand was the threatened squeeze on the future of slavery. Third and most important the book gives us much to rethink in our evaluations and conceptions, offered in scholarly but very readable prose for which the author has become famous.
Put simply, if anyone is interested in American history and knows the author this book is a must have. No one who reads William W. Freehling wastes time or energy reading his work. |
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