Apostles of Disunion: Examining Confederate Justifications for Secession

Show notes

1 What's Apostles of Disunion

"Apostles of Disunion" by Charles B. Dew explores the motivations behind the secession of Southern states from the Union leading up to the American Civil War, emphasizing the central role of slavery in these decisions. Dew examines the writings and speeches of Southern leaders and advocates who framed the fight for independence as a defense of slavery, revealing that their fear of losing the institution drove much of the secessionist sentiment. The book argues against the more common narratives that depict the Confederacy's ideology as based on states' rights or economic concerns, highlighting instead the explicit connection between Southern identity and the preservation of slavery as a fundamental cause of the conflict.

2 Key Concepts of Apostles of Disunion

In "Apostles of Disunion" by Charles B. Dew, Chapter 1 sets the foundation for understanding the role of Southern leaders in justifying and promoting secession by invoking the themes of states' rights and the preservation of slavery. Subsequent chapters that relate to this theme include Chapters 2 and 3, which delve into the speeches and writings of these leaders, illustrating how they framed their arguments around the necessity of maintaining slavery and the perceived threats to Southern society from abolitionist movements. Additionally, Chapter 5 further explores the cultural and historical context that informed these leaders' actions and rhetoric, emphasizing their commitment to a way of life they believed was under siege.

3 In-Depth Chapter Analysis of Apostles of Disunion by Charles B. Dew

In "Apostles of Disunion: Southern Secessionists and the Civil War," Charles B. Dew presents a detailed analysis of the motivations and ideologies behind the secession of Southern states, illuminated particularly in its early chapters. The first chapter introduces the fervent embrace of states' rights and the defense of slavery as central themes in the secessionist narrative. Dew highlights how Southern leaders, such as those in the Mississippi and South Carolina conventions, framed secession as a necessary response to the perceived threats posed by Northern abolitionism and the election of Abraham Lincoln. This chapter sets the tone for understanding the deep-rooted fears of a cultural and economic upheaval that propelled Southern secessionists to action. Further along in the book, particularly in chapter six, Dew delves into the profound impact of these ideologies on the broader Confederate identity. He examines the writings and speeches of prominent figures, emphasizing their rhetorical strategies to galvanize public support for secession by invoking a shared sense of honor and Southern heritage. This connection between personal and regional identity signifies how deeply entrenched the values of slavery and autonomy were in the psyche of the Confederacy. Through vivid examples, such as the reactions to Lincoln's policies and the rise of pro-secession factions, Dew underscores how these early rallying cries echoed throughout the South, solidifying a collective commitment to a way of life they believed was under siege. Thus, Dew effectively illustrates how the themes of fear and identity were interwoven in the fabric of Southern secessionist thought, shaping the course of American history.

Book Summary Audio https://www.bookey.app/audiobook/apostles-of-disunion

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lKuZJC8KMs

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Disunion-Southern-Secession-Commissioners/dp/081392104X

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1054644.Apostles_of_Disunion