Before the Civil War; slaveholders made themselves into the most powerful; most deeply rooted; and best organized private interest group within the United States. Not only did slavery represent the national economy's second largest capital investment; exceeded only by investment in real estate; but guarantees of its perpetuation were studded throughout the U.S. Constitution. The vast majority of white Americans; in North and South; accepted the institution; and pro-slavery presidents and congressmen consistently promoted its interests. In Abolitionist Politics and the Coming of the Civil War; James Brewer Stewart explains how a small group of radical activists; the abolitionist movement; played a pivotal role in turning American politics against this formidable system. He examines what influence the movement had in creating the political crises that led to civil war and evaluates the extent to which a small number of zealous reformers made a truly significant political difference when demanding that their nation face up to its most excruciating moral problem. In making these assessments; Stewart addresses a series of more specific questions: What were the abolitionists actually up against when seeking the overthrow of slavery and white supremacy? What motivated and sustained them during their long and difficult struggles? What larger historical contexts (religious; social; economic; cultural; and political) influenced their choices and determined their behavior? What roles did extraordinary leaders play in shaping the movement; and what were the contributions of abolitionism's unheralded "foot soldiers"? What factors ultimately determined; for better or worse; the abolitionists' impact on American politics and the realization of their equalitarian goals?
#1103014 in Books Naval Institute Press 2000-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .88 x 6.21 x 9.17l; #File Name: 1557503443272 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Detailed descriptions of Black Ops of the Army; Navy; Air Force; and CIA during the Korean War.By Robert EdwardsVery interesting information about activities that were secret and hidden during the Korean War. General Haas reports the events much the same way that he must have written his Army reports during his active duty; but the importance and excitement of the events override the shortcomings of his style. He openly and honestly describes the bungling that often occurs during military operations. That gives a unique flavor to the book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Three StarsBy Dee ChandlerGood book but not enough about the Navy's effort just before the INCHON landing.13 of 15 people found the following review helpful. Information long hiddenBy Ed EvanhoeThis work is a must for those interested in Military History; especially the history of American Special Operations or in the Korean War. Col. Haas has written an easy to read; exceedinly well researched; well documented book which details the success and failure of special and partisan operations during the Korean War including those of the Central Intelligence Agency. The list of CIA documents alone; which Col. Haas obtained against all odds; makes this book worth obtaining. Without a doubt; it is the best book on Korean War special operations ever published.
