Plain Folk in a Rich Man's War: Class and Dissent in Confederate Georgia

Rating:
Summary: A Powerful Eye Opener of the real Confederate Georgia
Review: Having read this book for one of my favorite history classes in college, I can say that it was indeed an eye opener. Anyone who reads this book will never look at the Confederacy the same way. It tells the story of what was going on behind the scenes in Confederate Georgia. Most importantly, it shatters many myths that most people, especially southerners, take for granted about the Confederacy. It is shocking to know, as "Plain Folk" points out, that the people of Georgia did not want to leave the Union; those in the Georgia legislator, comprised of the powerful landowners, simply defied the popular vote and broke away, severing all ties with the Union. Moreover, what Williams, et al have proven is that the elite of Georgia broke away from the U.S. in an attempt to keep control in their hands, i.e. they did not want any challenges from the poor white and slave economy that they controlled without question.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It dispels the legend around a "heroic South" that was fighting for truth, justice and honor. As this book proves, true honor lay with the poor women who took matters in their own hands to make sure their families did not starve. Honor lay with those soldiers who risked their lives to get back home and help their wives and children. There was no honor with the elite planter class, those who the war benefitted the most, yet they were the least willing to fight. If you are interested in Civil War military history, read this book first. The authors examine the reasons why the Confederacy was doomed to fail, even before the first shot was fired.

Rating:
Summary: A Powerful Eye Opener of the real Confederate Georgia
Review: Having read this book for one of my favorite history classes in college, I can say that it was indeed an eye opener. Anyone who reads this book will never look at the Confederacy the same way. It tells the story of what was going on behind the scenes in Confederate Georgia. Most importantly, it shatters many myths that most people, especially southerners, take for granted about the Confederacy. It is shocking to know, as "Plain Folk" points out, that the people of Georgia did not want to leave the Union; those in the Georgia legislator, comprised of the powerful landowners, simply defied the popular vote and broke away, severing all ties with the Union. Moreover, what Williams, et al have proven is that the elite of Georgia broke away from the U.S. in an attempt to keep control in their hands, i.e. they did not want any challenges from the poor white and slave economy that they controlled without question.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It dispels the legend around a "heroic South" that was fighting for truth, justice and honor. As this book proves, true honor lay with the poor women who took matters in their own hands to make sure their families did not starve. Honor lay with those soldiers who risked their lives to get back home and help their wives and children. There was no honor with the elite planter class, those who the war benefitted the most, yet they were the least willing to fight. If you are interested in Civil War military history, read this book first. The authors examine the reasons why the Confederacy was doomed to fail, even before the first shot was fired.