by Paul D. Escott
|
| List Price: | $23.95 |
| Amazon Price: | $23.95 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. |
| Average Rating: |  |
| Lowest New Price: | $4.00 |
| Availablitiy: | Usually ships in 24 hours |
|
 |
|
Product Description
The secession of the southern states marked the beginning of the trial of Confederate nationalism. The slaveholding elite that had led the South out of the Union now had to solidify its support among nonslaveholding small farmers, a class that constituted the bulk of the white population. Jefferson Davis and his new government were greatly hampered in their bid for widespread public support, partially because of the same force that had resulted in seccession--the strong states' rights predisposition of many southerners and their opposition to a strong central government--and partially because of the great social and economic gap that separated the governed from the governors. In After Secession, Paul D. Escott focuses on the challenges the South's political ideals presented to Davis in wartime and on the ways in which growing class resentments among citizens in the countryside affected the war effort. Escott examines Davis' policies, offering thought-provoking new interpretations of the Confederate government's means of decision making and its failure to respond to the needs of ordinary citizens. The result is both a fresh look at the pivotal role that strong leadership plays in the establishment of a new nation and a revealing study of how Jefferson Davis' frustrations increasingly affected the quality of his presidency.
Customers who bought this item also bought
Average Customer Review:
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
 Escott blames the wrong person, 2006-01-20
Paul D. Escott's well researched book refutes its own thesis--that Jefferson Davis was largely responsible for the failure of the Confederacy to coalesce into unified country. What one ultimately realizes is that Escott wanted to blame Davis and disregarded what his own evidence told him, that governors such as Thomas Cobb of Georgia were actively undermining the Confederacy in an attempt to increase their own power over their states.
I give the book three stars because it is an excellent resource; anyone seeking a book from which to begin a literature search would be well served to start here. The book gets no higher ranking because of the weakness of his thesis in light of the evidence presented in this book. Indeed, rewriting the first chapter to blame the governors and unwilling citizens of the Confederacy would automatically earn the book five stars.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
 Insight to a Leader, 2000-03-30
Paul D. Escott shines a light on the President of the Confederacy and reveils new information about why the Civil War ended in the maner in which it did. Escott focuses on the attempts to strengthen Confederate Nationalism, particularly focusing on the efforts of Jefferson Davis. Davis' characteristics and attitudes are respectful analized by Escott to determine how they affected the survival of the Confederate States of America. Escott also looks at Davis' attitudes towards his generals and cabinet members, compairing them to that of Abraham Lincoln. This book particularly appeals to those that enjoy the Civil War, but is also enjoyable to those that would just like to know more about this aspect of American history.
Price is accurate as of the date/time indicated. Prices and product availability are subject to change. Any price displayed on the Amazon website at the time of purchase will govern the sale of this product.
|
Store Categories
|
Copyright ©
InvestorDictionary.com - All rights reserved.