The Confederacy as a Revolutionary Experience

Southern Classics

by Emory M. Thomas

This volume, first published in 1971, has made us look again at the events surrounding the Civil War. The Confederate Southerners likened themselves to the American revolutionaries of 1776. Although both revolutions sought independence and the overthrow of an existing political system, the Confederates battled for a political separation to conserve rather than to create. The result, however, was a transformation of the antebellum traditions they were fighting to preserve.

Genres: History, American, American Civil War, Nonfiction, War

172 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1991

About the author

A noted scholar of the Civil War, Emory Thomas is a Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Georgia.

Reviews

[Vernon O'Sugrue · Rating 2 out of 5]

It read like a high school essay. The prose was highly repetitive and uninspired. The author furnished few anecdotes or statistics to back his thesis. The premise was unique and interesting enough, however.

[Dan E · Rating 2 out of 5]

somewhat insightful but boring

[Jim Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those who would fly the confederate flag think they understand the Confederacy but Thomas reveals an alternative narrative to southern mythology.

[Joseph Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic writing that illustrates the true intentions of the Southern rebellion. The writing is a tad "dry", but the insights are very illuminating.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent short volume which examines how the creation and life of the Confederate States of America was experienced by enthusiastic supporters, arguing that many whites saw it as a second American Revolution. The book goes on to demonstrate the ways in which the CSA transformed many aspects of Southern life in the quest to win the civil war. As Emory demonstrates, the meaning of Confederate nationalism went through a revolutionary transformation of its own during the war - until, in the final months, the Confederate Congress decided even to undermine slavery itself in a bid to maintain CSA independence. The book also demonstrates how, although the CSA trumpeted its commitment to states' rights, the insurgent states had to centralize a great degree of power in Richmond to carry on the war. By taking Confederate nationalism seriously, this book is an important contribution to Civil War and Southern history.

[Lindsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5, I'm pretty neutral on this. I'm giving it two stars here because I didn't exactly enjoy reading it, but it wasn't too bad.
However, I will say, when all my Confederacy-loving neighbors get riled up about the Confederacy, I have some facts to recite for them about how much they would actually have hated the Confederate government. That's cool.
I also crushed the essay question about this book on my history final.