About the book
After the upheavals of the Civil War and Reconstruction shattered the plantation economy of the Old South, white southerners turned to the railroad to reconstruct capitalism in the region. Examining the rapid growth, systemization, and consolidation of the southern railroad network, R. Scott Huffard Jr. demonstrates how economic and political elites used the symbolic power of the railroad to proclaim a New South had risen. The railroad was more than just an economic engine of growth; it was a powerful symbol of capitalism’s advance.
However, as the railroad spread across the region, it also introduced new dangers and anxieties. White southerners came to fear the railroad would speed an upending of the racial order, epidemics of yellow fever, train wrecks, violent robberies, and domination by corporate monopolies. To complete the reconstruction of capitalism, railroad corporations and their allies had to sever the negative aspects of railroading from capitalism’s powers and deny the railroad’s transformative powers to black southerners. This study of the New South’s experience with the growing railroad network provides valuable insights into the history of capitalism — how it evolves, expands, and overcomes resistance.
Editions of Engines of Redemption
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781469652801
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469652818
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469652832
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890855152
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469652825
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890855145
Read an Excerpt
After the upheavals of the Civil War and Reconstruction shattered the plantation economy of the Old South, white southerners turned to the railroad to reconstruct capitalism in the region. Examining the rapid growth, systemization, and consolidation of the southern railroad network, R. Scott Huffard Jr. demonstrates how economic and political elites used the symbolic power of the railroad to proclaim a New South had risen. The railroad was more than just an economic engine of growth; it was a powerful symbol of capitalism’s advance.
However, as the railroad spread across the region, it also introduced new dangers and anxieties. White southerners came to fear the railroad would speed an upending of the racial order, epidemics of yellow fever, train wrecks, violent robberies, and domination by corporate monopolies. To complete the reconstruction of capitalism, railroad corporations and their allies had to sever the negative aspects of railroading from capitalism’s powers and deny the railroad’s transformative powers to black southerners. This study of the New South’s experience with the growing railroad network provides valuable insights into the history of capitalism — how it evolves, expands, and overcomes resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Engines of Redemption about?
After the upheavals of the Civil War and Reconstruction shattered the plantation economy of the Old South, white southerners turned to the railroad to reconstruct capitalism in the region. Examining the rapid growth, systemization, and consolidation of the southern railroad network, R. Scott Huffard Jr. demonstrates how economic and political elites used the symbolic power of the railroad to proclaim a New South had risen. The railroad was more than just an economic engine of growth; it was a powerful symbol of capitalism’s advance.
However, as the railroad spread across the region, it also introduced new dangers and anxieties. White southerners came to fear the railroad would speed an upending of the racial order, epidemics of yellow fever, train wrecks, violent robberies, and domination by corporate monopolies. To complete the reconstruction of capitalism, railroad corporations and their allies had to sever the negative aspects of railroading from capitalism’s powers and deny the railroad’s transformative powers to black southerners. This study of the New South’s experience with the growing railroad network provides valuable insights into the history of capitalism — how it evolves, expands, and overcomes resistance.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Engines of Redemption?
Lifestyle, Hobbies and Leisure > Local and family history, nostalgia > Local history
Where can I read a sample of Engines of Redemption?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469652801
How long is Engines of Redemption and how many pages does it have?
Engines of Redemption has 324 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Engines of Redemption?
R. Scott Huffard
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Engines of Redemption is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469652801) and paperback(ISBN 9781469652818) and ebook(ISBN 9781469652832) and ebook(ISBN 9798890855152) and ebook(ISBN 9781469652825) and pdf(ISBN 9798890855145)
Where can I buy Engines of Redemption online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Engines of Redemption from below
Where can I buy Engines of Redemption?