Other southerners used similar metaphors to describe the phenomenon. “It is a complete landsturm. . . . People are wild. . . . You might as well attempt to control a tornado as to attempt to stop them.”6 Secession was an unequivocal act which relieved the unbearable tension that had been building for years. It was a catharsis for pent-up fears and hostilities. It was a joyful act that caused people literally to dance in the streets.
