About the book
Offering a provocative new look at the politics of secession in antebellum Virginia, William Link places African Americans at the center of events and argues that their acts of defiance and rebellion had powerful political repercussions throughout the turbulent period leading up to the Civil War.
An upper South state with nearly half a million slaves — more than any other state in the nation — and some 50,000 free blacks, Virginia witnessed a uniquely volatile convergence of slave resistance and electoral politics in the 1850s. While masters struggled with slaves, disunionists sought to join a regionwide effort to secede and moderates sought to protect slavery but remain in the Union. Arguing for a definition of political action that extends beyond the electoral sphere, Link shows that the coming of the Civil War was directly connected to Virginia’s system of slavery, as the tension between defiant slaves and anxious slaveholders energized Virginia politics and spurred on the impending sectional crisis.
Editions of Roots of Secession
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807827710
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807856611
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807863206
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890877406
Read an Excerpt
Offering a provocative new look at the politics of secession in antebellum Virginia, William Link places African Americans at the center of events and argues that their acts of defiance and rebellion had powerful political repercussions throughout the turbulent period leading up to the Civil War.
An upper South state with nearly half a million slaves — more than any other state in the nation — and some 50,000 free blacks, Virginia witnessed a uniquely volatile convergence of slave resistance and electoral politics in the 1850s. While masters struggled with slaves, disunionists sought to join a regionwide effort to secede and moderates sought to protect slavery but remain in the Union. Arguing for a definition of political action that extends beyond the electoral sphere, Link shows that the coming of the Civil War was directly connected to Virginia’s system of slavery, as the tension between defiant slaves and anxious slaveholders energized Virginia politics and spurred on the impending sectional crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Roots of Secession about?
Offering a provocative new look at the politics of secession in antebellum Virginia, William Link places African Americans at the center of events and argues that their acts of defiance and rebellion had powerful political repercussions throughout the turbulent period leading up to the Civil War.
An upper South state with nearly half a million slaves — more than any other state in the nation — and some 50,000 free blacks, Virginia witnessed a uniquely volatile convergence of slave resistance and electoral politics in the 1850s. While masters struggled with slaves, disunionists sought to join a regionwide effort to secede and moderates sought to protect slavery but remain in the Union. Arguing for a definition of political action that extends beyond the electoral sphere, Link shows that the coming of the Civil War was directly connected to Virginia’s system of slavery, as the tension between defiant slaves and anxious slaveholders energized Virginia politics and spurred on the impending sectional crisis.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Roots of Secession?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Roots of Secession?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807827710
How long is Roots of Secession and how many pages does it have?
Roots of Secession has 416 page(s)
Is Roots of Secession part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Civil War America
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Roots of Secession?
William A. Link
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Roots of Secession is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807827710) and paperback(ISBN 9780807856611) and ebook(ISBN 9780807863206) and pdf(ISBN 9798890877406)
Where can I buy Roots of Secession online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Roots of Secession from below
Where can I buy Roots of Secession?