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.
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.
The Pro-Slavery Ethos: The South's Conflict Over Slavery
Slavery drove a growing divide between the North and South, with the South increasingly viewing slavery as a positive good. As support for slavery dwindled globally, the South clung to its pro-slavery stance. The rift widened as the North condemned slavery, leading the South to defend the institution as more than just a necessity.
The Controversial Election of 1860: Abraham Lincoln's Victory
Abraham Lincoln's victory in the 1860 election triggered Southern states' secession. Southern states, excluding Lincoln from the ballot, feared his anti-slavery stance. Despite Lincoln's intentions to halt slavery's expansion, the South suspected he aimed to abolish slavery entirely. The election outcome and Lincoln's stance spurred Southern secessionists.
The Fort Sumter Standoff: Precursor to War
Fort Sumter's significance skyrocketed amid tensions, with the focus on preventing its reinforcement. Major Robert Anderson's strategic relocation to Fort Sumter angered South Carolina, escalating tensions. Conflicts over reinforcement and allegiance to the Union set the stage for the eventual bombardment. The standoff symbolizes the looming threat of war as both sides navigated honor and imminent conflict.
In The Demon of Unrest, author Erik Larson chronicles the five months between the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and the start of the Civil War, drawing parallels to today's political climate.
Also, David Bianculli reviews the FX/Hulu spy thriller series The Veil, starring Elisabeth Moss.