Prelude to Civil War

In this brilliant study of the origins of the Civil War, William Freehling tells the story of the Nullification Controversy in South Carlina, describing how from 1816 to 1836 aristocratic planters of the Palmetto State tumbled from a secure and prosperous life to one rife with economic distress, guilt over slavery, and apprehension of slave rebellion. It shows in compelling detail how this reversal of fortune led the political leaders of Southern Carolina down the path to ever more radical states right doctrines: in 1932 they were seeking to nullify federal law by refusing to obey it; four years later some of them were considering secession.