Description

This book analyzes the secret world of hundreds of white and black Southern Unionists as they struggled for survival in a new Confederate world. This book analyzes the secret world of hundreds of white and black Southern Unionists as they struggled for survival in a new Confederate world, resisted the imposition of Confederate military and civil authority, began a diffuse underground movement to destroy the Confederacy, joined the United States Army as soldiers, and waged a series of violent guerrilla battles against other Southerners. This book analyzes the secret world of hundreds of white and black Southern Unionists as they struggled for survival in a new Confederate world, resisted the imposition of Confederate military and civil authority, began a diffuse underground movement to destroy the Confederacy, joined the United States Army as soldiers, and waged a series of violent guerrilla battles against other Southerners. In this groundbreaking study, Barton A. Myers analyzes the secret world of hundreds of white and black Southern Unionists as they struggled for survival in a new Confederate world, resisted the imposition of Confederate military and civil authority, began a diffuse underground movement to destroy the Confederacy, joined the United States Army as soldiers, and waged a series of violent guerrilla battles at the local level against other Southerners. Myers also details the work of Confederates as they struggled to build a new nation at the local level and maintain control over manpower, labor, agricultural, and financial resources, which Southern Unionists possessed. The story is not solely one of triumph over adversity but also one of persecution and, ultimately, erasure of these dissidents by the postwar South's Lost Cause mythologizers. 1. Secession: 'it was perfect madness'; 2. Confederate control: 'such a monarchical or tyrannical government'; 3. Resistance: 'I never wanted any other flag to wave over my head'; 4. Irregular wars: 'a state of insurrection against the laws'; 5. Unionists under Reconstruction (and in repose): 'I don't feel safe'; 6. Epilogue: 'all classes in the South united as by magic'. 'A well-researched, lucidly written, and convincing exploration of southern Unionism during the Civil War and Reconstruction. Highly recommended.' Mark Grimsley, Ohio State University 'Barton Myers uncovers the clandestine networks, mortal risks, and stout hearts of North Carolinians who challenged Confederate authority and southern memory by siding with the Union. Connecting the social, political and military dimensions of loyalty with deep insight and empathy, Rebels against the Confederacy explains how diverse, loyal citizens endured daily trials and lifelong consequences for their actions. Civil War historians and enthusiasts alike will profit from this excellent book.' Jason Phillips, West Virginia University 'A very valuable book. Barton Myers's intelligent and sensitive treatment of Southern Unionists adds great clarity to a complex topic. His investigation of the nature and meaning of dissent is based on a creative and extensive reading of the evidence, judicious analysis, and admirably clear writing. He demonstrates the impact of Unionism on the course of the war in North Carolina and provides a model for careful analysis of opposition experience in wartime.' Aaron Sheehan-Dean, Louisiana State University 'Myers's fast-paced Rebels against the Confederacy rescues from oblivion the stories and lives of North