The origins of America's Civil War

by Bruce Collins

169 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Lars · Rating 4 out of 5]

The purpose of the book is not to entertain but to provide a concise and reasonable wide-ranging introduction to the very large subject of the origins of the American Civil War. Taking that the book is published in the very beginning of the 1980s the claim to be up to date on the latest research can be dropped, but it is nevertheless well written and easy to follow, but also following scientific research principles. I learnt a lot more about the multi-layering reasons that led to war and the internal American politics of the important 20 years before Lincoln's elections as the first Republican president.
A book worth reading within the framework of current US discussions and partisan politics. The political dilemma was how to resolve such a profound disagreement between people who shared so much in common without resorting to force. American failed in 1861. But the fundamental dilemma remains acute to this day.