43 pages • 1 hour read
Apostles of Disunion: Southern Secession Commissioners and the Causes of the Civil War
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Book Brief
144
Book • Nonfiction
Southern United States • 1860s
2001
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Apostles of Disunion by Charles B. Dew examines the speeches and letters of Southern secession commissioners following Abraham Lincoln's election, revealing that racism and slavery were central causes of secession. Dew, a white Southern historian, confronts his ancestral heritage's racism to highlight the commissioners' pro-slavery rhetoric. The study underscores the importance of addressing the enduring legacies of slavery and white supremacy. Discussions of racist violence and white supremacy occur.
Informative
Mysterious
Challenging
Dark
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
1,818 ratings
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Review Roundup
Charles B. Dew's Apostles of Disunion provides a compelling examination of the motivations behind Southern secession. Reviewers praise Dew's meticulous research and engaging writing style, noting his skill in using primary sources. However, some critics argue the book could offer deeper analysis. Overall, it's a valuable contribution to Civil War history.
Who Should Read Apostles of Disunion?
Readers who appreciate in-depth analysis of American history, particularly the Civil War and its causes, will find Apostles of Disunion by Charles B. Dew compelling. It's ideal for those who enjoyed The Fiery Trial by Eric Foner or Battle Cry of Freedom by James M. McPherson, offering insights into secessionist propaganda and Southern politics.
1,818 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
William L. Harris
William L. Harris
Mississippi's commissioner to Georgia, recognized for his influential speech enunciating the strategic and racially charged rhetoric that characterized the commissioners' efforts to sway Southern conventions toward secession.
Stephen F. Hale
Stephen F. Hale
Alabama's commissioner to Kentucky, who wrote a pivotal letter urging secession, prompting the author to reevaluate his assumptions about the secession crisis through its comprehensive arguments.
John Smith Preston
John Smith Preston
A skilled orator from South Carolina, chosen to address the Virginia Convention, whose impassioned speech exemplified the persuasive techniques used by commissioners to influence states sympathetic to the Union.
144
Book • Nonfiction
Southern United States • 1860s
2001
Adult
18+ years
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