The Old South has traditionally been portrayed as an insular and backward-looking society. The Old South's Modern Worlds looks beyond this myth to identify some of the many ways that antebellum southerners were enmeshed in the modernizing trends of their time. The essays gathered in this volume not only tell unexpected narratives of the Old South; they also explore the compatibility of slavery-the defining feature of antebellum southern life-with cultural and material markers of modernity such as moral reform; cities; and industry. Considered as proponents of American manifest destiny; for example; antebellum southern politicians look more like nationalists and less like separatists. Though situated within distinct communities; Southerners'-white; black; and red-participated in and responded to movements global in scope and transformative in effect. The turmoil that changes in Asian and European agriculture wrought among southern staple producers shows the interconnections between seemingly isolated southern farms and markets in distant lands. Deprovincializing the antebellum South; The Old South's Modern Worlds illuminates a diverse region both shaped by and contributing to the complex transformations of the nineteenth-century world.
#280275 in Books Guelzo; Alan C. 2009-02-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 4.30 x .70 x 6.80l; .35 #File Name: 0195367804160 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Abraham Lincoln is considered one of the greatest; if not the greatestBy CustomerAbraham Lincoln is considered one of the greatest; if not the greatest; Presidents in the history of the United States. For my Civil War class; I had to read this book. While some biographies of Lincoln stretch hundreds of pages; the goal of this particular book was not an exhaustive look at Lincoln’s life; but rather a short glimpse at his thoughts and motivations. Dr. Guelzo mentions that there is very little evidence from Lincoln; as he did not keep a diary as most people did in that day. Therefore; the evidence that we do have come in the form of letters and speeches. This complicates things and makes Lincoln a controversial figure in some respects. Nonetheless; this little book is packed with pertinent information.For one; I thought it was interesting to see Lincoln’s motivation behind the slavery issue. Dr. Guelzo says that Lincoln got a job early in his life that took him up the Mississippi River to New Orleans. There; he would have seen all the travesties and ugliness of slavery first hand. I also thought it was interesting that Lincoln never had formal education beyond what little grade school he finished. He was a farmer; and when he wanted to become a lawyer; he read books on law and passed the bar. Which leads to the next point which is very interesting as well: leaders ARE readers. Lincoln was scolded for not doing work and instead; reading. He was a vociferous reader and those who diminish this skill need to take a hard look at those who are successful in history.Also of note was Lincoln’s debates again Stephen Douglas. Douglas; at the time; was one of the greatest politicians of his day. Lincoln debated Douglas and while he lost the nomination; he did put himself out there as a successful orator. When the Presidential race pinned Democrat candidate Douglas against the newly formed Republican party candidate Lincoln; Lincoln won.Lincoln then led the United States through the most bloody war the nation has ever seen: the Civil War. Lincoln was an able Commander in Chief and sought; at first; to hold the Union together. It is unclear whether he thought that emancipation was the most pressing issue at this juncture. My personal thoughts make me want to believe that Lincoln first needed the Union to be unified before addressing the emancipation issue; Lincoln’s lack of action is sometimes taken as a sign that he did not care about emancipation; but I find the evidence for this lacking. Through a terrible eastern campaign; Lincoln weathered equally terrible Generals; including one George McClellan who was a pro-slavery Democrat fighting for the Union. When General Grant took Vicksburg; he was put in charge of the Army of the Potomac and; with the help of General William Sherman; eventually crushed General Lee to end the Civil War. As most know; Lincoln was tragically killed soon after.Lincoln is a complicated President. He was able to hold on to the ultimate goal of keeping the Union together. But his complacency with emancipation somewhat tarnishes his legacy. This may or may not be an adequate analysis. But it’s called a very short introduction for a reason. I definitely recommend this book for someone who wants to cut their teeth on the basics of the Civil War.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. It's a good read.By CustomerGreat book I had to read for a 400 level class. Gives insight to Lincoln that is not common knowledge. I'm only knocking one star because it does go in depth and drone on. I'm a history lover but this is still pretty in depth if you're not terribly into Lincoln to begin with.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book information and easy to readBy Chester BarkanExcellent book information and easy to read. It was required reading for a graduate class on the civil war and reconstruction
