Description
In Wolf by the Ears, John R. Van Atta discusses how the question of slavery surfaced in the divisive fight over Missouri statehood. As Thomas Jefferson wrote at the time, a nation dealing with the politically implacable issue of slavery essentially held the “wolf” by the ears—and could neither let go nor hang on forever. The first organized Louisiana Purchase territory to lie completely west of the Mississippi River and northwest of the Ohio, Missouri carried special significance for both pro- and anti-slavery advocates. Northern congressmen leaped out of their seats to object to the proposed expansion of the slave “empire,” while slave-state politicians voiced outrage at the northerners’ blatant sectional attack. Although the Missouri confrontation ultimately appeared to end amicably with a famous compromise that the wily Kentuckian Henry Clay helped to cobble together, the passions it unleashed proved vicious, widespread, and long lasting.
Van Atta deftly explains how the Missouri crisis revealed the power that slavery had already gained over American nation building. He explores the external social, cultural, and economic forces that gave the confrontation such urgency around the country, as well as the beliefs, assumptions, and fears that characterized both sides of the slavery argument. Wolf by the Ears provides students in American history with an ideal introduction to the Missouri crisis while at the same time offering fresh insights for scholars of the early republic.
“Van Atta has written the clearest narrative of the Missouri crisis to date.” —Louisiana History
Details
Embark on a riveting journey through history with "Wolf by the Ears: The Missouri Crisis, 1819–1821." Uncover the tumultuous events surrounding the 1820 Missouri Compromise, a pivotal moment that set the stage for the Civil War. Authored by John R. Van Atta, this book offers a compelling analysis that delves deep into the complexities of the era.
Immerse yourself in the gripping narrative that explores the contentious debate over slavery during the Missouri statehood struggle. As Thomas Jefferson aptly noted, the nation found itself grappling with the metaphorical "wolf" of slavery, a perilous predicament that demanded a resolution. The echoes of this profound historical confrontation continue to reverberate through the annals of American history.
Experience the tensions and political maneuverings that shaped the course of American nation-building as Van Atta masterfully unravels the intricacies of the Missouri crisis. Gain valuable insights into the societal, cultural, and economic forces that fueled the heated discourse surrounding slavery, shedding new light on a critical chapter in our past.
Step into the past and witness the clash of ideologies that defined an era with "Wolf by the Ears." Perfect for students of American history and scholars of the early republic, this book offers a comprehensive examination of a pivotal moment in the nation's evolution. Discover why critics hail this work as the definitive account of the Missouri crisis.
Uncover the secrets of history with "Wolf by the Ears" today!
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