Performing Disunion
The Coming of the Civil War in Charleston, South Carolina

A new history of the causes of the American Civil War, highlighting the role played by ordinary men in the secession debate and process.

Lawrence T. McDonnell (Author)

9781316636213, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 June 2018

568 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 3.6 cm, 0.9 kg

'This book encompasses an incredible breadth of research … There are many who might struggle (or challenge) this work as it is a different type of monograph. However, McDonnell's extensive archival work make it clear he is not taking liberty with his research. It is this type of book-based on a variety of sources, a unique way of reading them, a desire to look at all aspects of life in an antebellum region-that will finally enable us to better understand the origin of secession and who was involved in the process of disunion. It is microhistory at its finest.' Helge Moulding, Madeleine Forrest

This book traces how and why the secession of the South during the American Civil War was accomplished at ground level through the actions of ordinary men. Adopting a micro-historical approach, Lawrence T. McDonnell works to connect small events in new ways - he places one company of the secessionist Minutemen in historical context, exploring the political and cultural dynamics of their choices. Every chapter presents little-known characters whose lives and decisions were crucial to the history of Southern disunion. McDonnell asks readers to consider the past with fresh eyes, analyzing the structure and dynamics of social networks and social movements. He presents the dissolution of the Union through new events, actors, issues, and ideas, illuminating the social contradictions that cast the South's most conservative city as the radical heart of Dixie.

Introduction: politics, chess, hats
Part I. Context: The Citadel Besieged: 1. Envisioning Charleston
2. Wayward loyalties
3. Bone and sinew
4. The threat of the counterfeit
5. The semblance of safety
6. Rose of revolution
Part II. Contradictions: Stand Nobly Together: 7. The appearance of a solid column
8. War of factions
9. Carry out the great drama
10. Men well-tried and true
11. The noble game
12. The soul of chivalry
13. Nothing but cash
14. The measure of a man
15. A revolution in hats
Part III. Crisis: Fire and Sword: 16. One of the b'hoys
17. A true index of character
18. Heroes, one and all
19. One wind lifts many flags.

Subject Areas: American Civil War [HBWJ], Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900 [HBLL], History of the Americas [HBJK]