Book Review: Apostles of Disunion: Southern Secession Commissioners and the Causes of the Civil War.

Apostles of Disunion: Southern Secession Commissioners and the Causes of the Civil War. Charles B. Dew. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2001.

In “Apostles of Disunion,” Charles B. Dew researches and examines in detail the role of the Southern secession commissioners in arguing the causes of the Civil War. Dew’s central views challenges the traditional narrative that the Civil War was primarily fought over states’ rights, but instead suggests that it was fundamentally about slavery. Through a detailed analysis of letters and speeches delivered by Southern secession commissioners, Dew argues that the basis of secession was the preservation and expansion of slavery rather than states’ rights.

“Apostles of Disunion” provide a convincing argument of how Southern leaders strategically used language to foster support for secession among the people of the south. He argues that the traditional narrative of the war being fought over states’ rights is flawed, arguing instead that slavery was the central issue driving secession. Dew will demonstrate how these commissioners, acting as agents of disunion, utilized racial ideology and intimidation tactics to justify secession and unite the Southern sentiment over the North. Through his detailed analysis, Dew will examine the various arguments that were claimed by the commissioners and show the reader the hidden motive behind the southern succession. Dew’s claim is that this succession is geared towards protecting the institutional of slavery. Dew will also show that the events conducted by the succession commissioners had a much greater impact on the understanding of slavery in shaping the United States and its continued development.

Dew has challenged the predominant interpretations of the Civil War where his work contributes to a more detailed understanding of this crucial period in American history. One of the strengths of the “Apostles of Disunion” is evident in Dew’s detailed analysis and research of the questions presented. His research included a large variety of primary sources which included letters from the commissioners, speeches given by the commissioners, and newspaper articles of the period. Through this course of study, Dew will develop a strong narrative that exposes the ideological foundation of the southern succession. Dew produces this text in a clear and concise style that allows both scholars and general readers to fully understand his argument being presented.

While Dew’s examination is comprehensive and convincing, it is likely that his views on the southern perspective will not convince some readers. Possibly one sided or lacking a deeper insight could be argued by some. A deeper comparison that examines the viewpoints of both sides during this period could offer a stronger understanding of the various elements and their complexities that contributed to the succession. Dew’s counter of the “Lost Cause” views that were presented by Jabez L.M. Curry and John S. Preston are well analyzed, a broader exploration of the social, political, and cultural aspects of the period could improve the narrative.

The not so simple question of what caused the seven deep South States to secede is answered by Dew in the “Apostles of Disunion” where he is providing an argue towards slavery being the primary factor around succession. Investigating the role of these seven southern secession commissioners, Dew provides insights into the complicated issues that ultimately led to the Civil War. This book is important in the study of states’ rights versus slavery debate regarding the causes and reasons of the Civil War. The argument declaring slavery as the reason is offered in a manner that uses the direct language and circumstances of the Southern Commissioners. Although scholarly in design, this book is for anyone that is seeking a stronger understanding of the important period of the American Civil War.