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Fresh Air
Erik Larson On The Dawn Of The Civil War
May 2, 2024
Journalist and historian Erik Larson, author of the bestseller The Splendid and the Vile, discusses his latest work on the five months leading to the Civil War. He draws parallels between the political tensions of 1860, such as South Carolina's secession, and today's climate. Larson explores themes of chivalry among Southern planters versus the grim realities faced by enslaved individuals. He vividly recounts the dramatic moments at Fort Sumter, highlighting the fraught power shifts as Lincoln’s presidency unfolded amid impending conflict.
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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