The Politics of War: Race, Class, and Conflict in Revolutionary Virginia (Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture and the University of North Carolina Press) - Hardcover

McDonnell, Michael A.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0807831085 ISBN 13: 9780807831083

Publisher: Omohundro Institute and UNC Press, 2007

Synopsis

War often unites a society behind a common cause, but the notion of diverse populations all rallying together to fight on the same side disguises the complex social forces that come into play in the midst of perceived unity. Michael A. McDonnell uses the Revolution in Virginia to examine the political and social struggles of a revolutionary society at war with itself as much as with Great Britain.

McDonnell documents the numerous contests within Virginia over mobilizing for war--struggles between ordinary Virginians and patriot leaders, between the lower and middle classes, and between blacks and whites. From these conflicts emerged a republican polity rife with racial and class tensions.

Looking at the Revolution in Virginia from the bottom up, The Politics of War demonstrates how contests over waging war in turn shaped society and the emerging new political settlement. With its insights into the mobilization of popular support, the exposure of social rifts, and the inversion of power relations, McDonnell's analysis is relevant to any society at war.

About this title

Book Description:

"Here, in the great tradition of history from below, is a powerful new interpretation of the American Revolution in Virginia, its most important setting. By giving authoritative voice to small farmers, tenants, laborers, and servants in their struggles for independence, McDonnell has emerged as a major new voice in early American history."--Marcus Rediker, University of Pittsburgh

From the Inside Flap:

McDonnell uses the Revolution in Virginia to examine the political and social struggles of a revolutionary society at war?with itself as much as with Great Britain. He documents the numerous contests within Virginia over mobilizing for war?struggles between ordinary Virginians and patriot leaders, between the lower and middle classes, and between blacks and whites. From these conflicts emerged a republican polity rife with racial and class tensions. The Battle of Yorktown did not resolve Virginia's internal conflicts. With its insights into the mobilization of popular support, the exposure of social rifts, and the inversion of power relations, McDonnell's analysis is relevant to any society at war.

About this edition

• Publisher: Omohundro Institute and UNC Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0807831085
• ISBN 13: 9780807831083
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 568