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Fresh Air

Erik Larson On The Dawn Of The Civil War

May 2, 2024
Author Erik Larson discusses parallels between the Civil War era and current political unrest. Topics include South Carolina's secession, Lincoln's inauguration tensions, the standoff at Fort Sumter, and leadership in crises. The episode also explores espionage in 'The Veil' with Elizabeth Moss.
45:08

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Quick takeaways

  • The intricate political structures in South Carolina and reliance on slavery led to secession after Lincoln's election.
  • The growing divide between the North and South was fueled by the South's defense of slavery as a positive good.

Deep dives

The Prelude to the Civil War: South Carolina's Secession

South Carolina, in 1860, seceded after Abraham Lincoln's election, fearing abolition of slavery. The state's intricate political structures, reliance on slavery, and honor-bound chivalry led to this decision. The planters, known as the chivalry, drew on romantic literature for their ethos. The North's stance against slavery exacerbated the divide, with South Carolina at the forefront of secession.

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