The origins of the American Civil War, 1846-61 (2nd ed)

This second edition has been updated to take account of recently-published historical interpretations on the period.

The text provides a detailed account of the causes of the American Civil War, identifying slavery as central to the dispute between Northern and Southern American states during the mid-nineteenth century.

The author offers a stimulating account of the nature of the slave industry and its relationship to national conflict, and an assessment of the complex political circumstances that surrounded the outbreak of war.