Robert W. Merry’s new book, "Decade of Disunion: How Massachusetts and South Carolina Led the Way to Civil War, 1849-1861," offers a fresh look at the events leading up to the Civil War. This 528-page work, published by Simon & Schuster, takes readers on a journey from the contentious House speakership race of 1849 to the firing on Fort Sumter in 1861.
Merry, a former editor at The American Conservative, builds on a quote from historian Paul Johnson, who claimed that only Massachusetts and South Carolina wanted a civil war. Merry explores how these two states, with their distinct cultures and political climates, contributed to the growing tensions of the 1850s.
The book begins with the colonial roots of Massachusetts and South Carolina. Merry credits historian David Hackett Fischer for the idea that the cultural differences in the U.S. stem from the diverse British settlers in these areas. Massachusetts, with its Puritan roots, fostered a moralistic and universalist outlook. In contrast, South Carolina embraced a more relaxed and pluralistic view, especially regarding wealth.
By the 1850s, the North had moved away from slavery, focusing on industry, while the South relied heavily on it for its economy and social structure. The acquisition of vast territories from the Mexican-American War ignited fierce debates about whether slavery would be allowed to expand into these new lands.
During this time, the political landscape was changing. Longtime leaders like Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, and Daniel Webster were fading from the scene. Their absence created a power vacuum filled with disputes and rivalries. In Massachusetts, the “Cotton Whigs” initially sought to maintain economic ties with the South while opposing slavery. However, this group was soon overtaken by the more vocal “Conscience Whigs” and the radical abolitionists.
In South Carolina, the Fire-Eaters emerged as staunch advocates for secession, often pushing for immediate action regardless of public support. In contrast, the cooperationists preferred to work within the Union to achieve their goals, leading to a tumultuous political environment.
The crux of the conflict revolved around the future of slavery in the western territories. The South demanded that their way of life be respected and legally protected, while the North increasingly rejected slavery’s moral legitimacy. Merry highlights the struggle for understanding and compromise, noting that many believed a mutual accommodation could be found.
Merry’s focus is primarily on the Senate rather than the House, providing detailed accounts of debates and highlighting key players. He paints a vivid picture of the political climate, emphasizing how events in Washington resonated back home in places like Boston and South Carolina’s low-country.
One of the standout figures in the book is Charles Sumner, a senator from Massachusetts who rose to prominence in the early 1850s. His relationship with South Carolina’s Preston Brooks illustrates the deepening divide between the North and South. After Sumner delivered a fiery speech criticizing Brooks’ cousin, Brooks attacked him on the Senate floor, an incident that shocked the nation and symbolized the escalating violence over slavery.
Merry examines the chaos in Kansas during this period, where pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions clashed violently. The infamous Dred Scott decision by the Supreme Court further inflamed tensions, asserting that Congress could not limit slavery in the territories, a ruling that was met with outrage in the North.
The book also provides a fresh perspective on Abraham Lincoln, exploring his political rise and the impact of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. While Merry’s treatment of the 1860 election is less detailed, he emphasizes the stark differences in how Massachusetts and South Carolina responded to Lincoln’s victory.
Overall, "Decade of Disunion" offers an insightful examination of the forces that drove the nation toward civil war. Merry argues that the cultural and political rifts between the North and South were too deep to bridge, making conflict inevitable. His engaging narrative brings historical figures to life, making it accessible for readers interested in understanding this pivotal era in American history.